Hugh Jackman is hosting the Oscars

December 12, 2008 Coming off a record-low ratings year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday made an unconventional choice to host the Oscars, tapping Hugh Jackman to preside over the show. The pair have said they hope to boost viewership for the 81st annual Oscars by finding ways to include movies from the previous year, including blockbusters, that do no figure prominently in awards categories. The Academy has in the past few decades rarely chosen a pure actor to host the ceremony, preferring instead stand-up comics or television hosts such as Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal and David Letterman.

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