Well, here's a surprise. Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Annual Academy Awards, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced Friday.

Jackman previously took the stage at the Kodak Theatre to present, but this marks his first time hosting the show. Comedian Jon Stewart served as the moderator for the past two years.

“Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star,” Mark and Condon said in a joint statement.

Jackman, whom People Magazine recently named the sexiest man alive, is currently onscreen in Baz Luhrmann's epic adventure "Australia."

Jackman will next return as Wolverine in Gavin Hood's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," one of the most anticipated movies of 2009. Good luck with the hosting Hugh; dom't forget to bring along some humor as well.