Sure, Hugh Jackman did a great job hosting the 81st annual Academy Awards, but the show as a whole was not as exciting as many of us expected. One thing is for sure though: Jackman won't be back in 2010.

Sources tell Variety Jackman turned down the job as host for the 82nd annual Academy Awards, which will take place March 7, 2010. The actor did say though that he may return to host in the future.

That leaves the question: who's next in line? The folks over at WAMG say they've received word that Neil Patrick Harris would replace Jackman. It's only a rumor, but I admit that could work.

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Earlier this year, Sid Ganis announced some major changes for the 81st Annual Academy Awards, but as it turned out, the last ceremony didn't exactly deliver the goods.

Maybe that's one of the reasons Ganis just announced another major change for the 2010 Oscars: the best picture category will now boast 10 nominations, double the current amount.

Ganis said this could make things more interesting. I'm not entirely sure it will make the race more interesting, but it will probably make it harder to predict what film will score the major award.

Of course, this decision will also enable more solid flicks to enter the race for best picture. After all, several fantastic films end up being left out of the best pic category every year.

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will take place March 7, 2010 (nominations will be announced February 2).

Are you ready for a whole new Oscar experience?

Wait, what? Although it's hard to believe, we may indeed be in for some changes at this year's 81st Annual Academy Awards, which will take place Feb. 22, 2009.

Believe it or not, but the upcoming show will be quite different from others, according to Sid Ganis, who made the announcement at Monday's annual Nominees Luncheon.

"It's going to be a show that takes some risks," he told the attendees.

Although he didn't reveal much at all, Ganis said categories at this year's ceremony will be presented in a whole different way. He also said cinematographers, editors and composers will be in for a surprise.

Even though I always enjoy watching the Academy Awards, I admit the quality of the show has been decreasing heavily over the past years.

That said, we are already seeing some changes done to this year's event. For instance, the Academy decided to not announce the list of celebrity presenters in advance.

Hugh Jackman will host the show, which honors the best of the best in Hollywood.

What do you think? Did you stop watching the Oscars? And what should be done to make the event more attractive? Leave your comments below.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Here are the nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards, which will take place Feb. 22, 2009 at 8 p.m. ET at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Best Picture
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"The Reader"
"Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams for "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Viola Davis for "Doubt"
Taraji P. Henson for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Marisa Tomei for "The Wrestler"

Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin for "Milk"
Robert Downey Jr. for "Tropic Thunder"
Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Doubt"
Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight"
Michael Shannon for "Revolutionary Road"

Best Actress
Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie for "Changeling"
Melissa Leo for "Frozen River"
Meryl Streep for "Doubt"
Kate Winslet for "The Reader"

Best Actor
Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor"
Frank Langella for "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn for "Milk"
Brad Pitt for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler"

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