HUGH JACKMAN - HUGH JACKMAN TO HOST OSCARS

HUGH JACKMAN TO HOST OSCARS

Actor Hugh Jackman has been announced as the host of next year's Oscars.

The 40-year-old Australian's appointment marks a change in direction by the event's organisers who in the past have gone for a comedian to host the famous awards ceremony.

Jackman was announced as the host of the 81st Academy Awards on Friday and said in a statement he was excited by the opportunity

"Thirty years ago when I was in Sydney watching Jimmy Carson host the Oscars with my family, I never imagined that I'd one day have the chance to be up on that stage myself," he said.

"I am very grateful to the Academy for giving me this opportunity."

Jackman does have some experience in hosting events, between 2003 and 2005 he hosted the prestigious Tony Awards, walking away with an award in 2004 for his role in the Broadway musical The Boy from Oz.

The Australian actor is probably best known for his portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men moves, with a spin-off due next year, and can currently be seen in Baz Luhrmann's Australia.

People magazine recently named the 40-year-old as the "sexiest man alive".