Bodog Beat

Actor Hugh Jackman will be hosting the Oscars this year. (20th Century Fox Image)

2008 was a killer year for Hugh Jackman, who was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive recently. And for Jackman, 2009 will start off with a bang, as the hot Aussie and America's favorite piece of man meat will host the 81st Academy Awards. Apparently, his peeps have stated that he will not be doing any Billy Crystal-type comedy routines.

“Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star,” executive producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon said in a joint statement. “He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion. Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year’s movies – and to have fun doing it.”

Jackman recently starred in the Baz Luhrmann epic Australia, which received mixed reviews. Although Jackman has earned success in his career in theater and television, he is known mostly for his role as Wolverine in X-Men.

Jackman has been married to Deborra-Lee Furness, who he met on the set of his first TV acting job, since 1996.

Jackman recently told People magazine, "Deb and my kids have been the best things that have ever happened to me, without a doubt."

The 2009 Academy Awards will be held on February 22, 2009.