Hugh Jackman: Sexiest Oscars host alive!

[ALIASd]

Will Hugh Jackman revive Oscars?

Posted: Fri., Dec. 12, 2008, 3:13pm PT


Producers hope star can jumpstart telecast

By Timothy M. Gray
Variety

The signing of Hugh Jackman as host of the 81st Oscarcast is a signal that "we are trying to turn a corner and to give the evening more of a nightclub-party feel -- which it once had," said the show's producer Laurence Mark.

Mark told Daily Variety that they wanted someone other than a standup performer. "Since it's a celebration of movies, we felt it was important to have someone who's a movie star." He added that since the show takes place in the Kodak and is watched by millions of TV viewers and film fans, "We were very lucky to get Hugh, who can hold a screen and can hold a stage."

Oscarcast exec producer Bill Condon said Jackman will be in town next week to discuss ideas for the show. A standup monologue at the start of the show is unlikely, but "Hugh will entertain the audience throughout the show," Condon said. Jackman's goal, as theirs, is "to keep the show hot throughout, to make it communal and great fun."

When Condon and Mark were announced for their Oscar duties, some assumed the show would be more musical, since the two collaborated on the film "Dreamgirls." At the time, both said that's not necessarily true.

Aside from Jackman's dramatic roots -- he stars in "Australia" and will next be seen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," having portrayed the title character in the three "X-Men" hits -- he has strong musical talents.

Jackman won a 2004 Tony for his performance in the tuner "The Boy From Oz" and won a 2005 Emmy for his duties as Tony host, in which he sang and danced.

But Condon reiterated, "I wouldn't assume the show will be more musical."

Can Hugh Jackman revive Oscars? - Entertainment News, Award Central News, Media - Variety

[Alice's Wonderland]

Even more reason to watch this year.

[krystledm]

maybe I'll actually tune in instead of fast forwarding to the good parts...

Hugh is a gift from God...

[disneygirl]

Originally Posted by krystledm

Hugh is a gift from God...

I second that! Yum Yum!

[Roo719]

Being that he is a theatre vet, I'm sure that he'll do just as well as any stand-up comedian. He was terrific at the Tonys.

Oh poopiehead...I just admitted I watched the Tonys.

Peace?
Roo

[Coheteboy]

I have to admit... if I had a man-crush ever, it'd be Hugh Jackman.

[sir clinksalot]

I think he should do a good job.

I don't think the host is the reason people haven't been watching the Oscars though.

[Angie_Duke]

Originally Posted by sir clinksalot

I don't think the host is the reason people haven't been watching the Oscars though.

No, the real reason is people don't care for/haven't seen the films nominated in the major categories. Pick The Dark Knight and people may actually watch it (and it kind of deserves the spot too).

[DrMemory]

I have nothing at all against Jackman as a person, actor, or host, and ordinarily would have no problem with the announcement that he's hosting, but it's the other part of the announcement that bothers me, the part about greater emphasis on song and dance.
The producers are basically saying "in an attempt to make the show less boring, we're going to place more emphasis on the most boring part of the show."
If anything, the Oscar ceremony needs an almost total song & dance-ectomy, not not more of that stuff; it's been the interminable music-torture sessions that have been the hardest part of the show to sit through. Everyone I know has only ever complained about too many & too long musical numbers, the producers are out of their minds if they think that an increase in the worst part of the show is the way to fix things.