Hugh Jackman Jackmanoscarb.jpgHugh Jackman has been tapped to host the 81st annual Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday.

Earlier this year, the 40-year-old Australian actor was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive."

The choice is a new direction for the Oscar telecast which usually selects big name comedians to host the show.

But Jackman is no stranger to award-show duty. He won an Emmy for hosting the Tony Awards in 2004.