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Hugh Jackman to host the Oscars

Australia star chosen to host the 81st Academy Awards ceremony in February

Hugh Jackman stars in Australia with Nicole Kidman

And the hosting honor goes to … Hugh Jackman.

PEOPLE's reigning Sexiest Man Alive has been chosen to host the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony, to take place Feb. 22

The Australia star, 40, who'll be hosting the Oscars for the first time, was selected "because we want the ceremony to be fun," says Laurence Mark, producer of the telecast.

"He can hold the screen and he can hold a stage. It doesn't hurt that he looks amazing in a tuxedo and he's the Sexiest Man Alive."

Jackman won an Emmy in 2005 for hosting the 59th annual Tony Awards in 2004. He was also nominated as host of the Tonys in 2005.

ABC will broadcast the Oscar ceremony live from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 22.