The tall, the brawny and the absolutely magnificent Hugh Jackman is set to host the 81st Academy Awards come February 22, as the world waits with bated breath to see the consummate entertainer take the stage.

A charmer to the boot, the Wolverine of X Men fame was recently voted by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive. At 6 ft. 2, all scruff and biceps, Jackman looms large in his latest epic offering Australia.

The 40-year-old Australian actor of English parentage was exhilarated at the prospect of hosting the biggest gala of them all. ''I couldn't get back to sleep, I was so excited,'' he said in an interview to an entertainment magazine.

A ladies’ delight, Jackman is the quintessential gentleman who is sure to set the temperature soaring with his impeccable persona.

The charismatic Kate and Leopold star reportedly joked in another recent interview that he was going to go in for a whole lot of skin at this year’s ceremony - not that anybody’s complaining you see!

Change is a coming

Hosting the Oscars has traditionally been the forte of stand-up comics - al la Billy Crystal, who is an American institution in himself, Ellen De Generes and Jon Stewart. But declining ratings and a diminishing vibe has plagued the globally televised ceremony.

First-time Oscar telecast producers Bill Condon and Laurence Mark will aim to end the draught, as they strike a novel path this year by choosing the Australian actor, who has had a successful stint on the Broadway.

Though not boasting of an immense fan base, such as enjoyed by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Steve Martin, what Jackman does have in his favor is an unapologetic and unabashed love for and understanding of theater.

Word on the street is that the inimitable host is teaming with his director pal and creative genius Baz Luhrman to ring-in the 81st Oscars with a musical extravaganza.

The ensuing spectacle is sure to remind one of Jackman’s legendary gig at Tony Awards 2004, which earned him a well deserved Emmy.

On a serious note, Jackman will need to keep it racy if he intends to beat boredom and ensure a memorable stint for himself. And from the looks of it, he has got it right so far, at least in theory, as he avows his love for things going off script.

“If people know what to expect, then your party's dead.''