Los Angeles (PTI): Australian actor Hugh Jackman, host of the 81st Academy Awards, was chosen for the big night for his "style, elegance and a sense of occasion".

"Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star," said the awards telecast producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon in a joint statement.

"He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion. Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year's movies - and to have fun doing it," the statement said.

This will be Jackman's first time centre stage at the Oscar show, although he has previously been a presenter.

Jackman stars in the current release "Australia," directed by Baz Luhrmann.

The actor won the title of "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine last year.

Jackman will next be seen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," having portrayed the title character in the previous three smash-hit "X-Men" movies.

His other film credits include "The Prestige," "The Fountain," "Van Helsing," "Kate & Leopold" and "Swordfish".

Jackman won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in "The Boy from Oz". He has served as host of the Tony Awards ceremony and won a 2005 Emmy for that assignment.

Jackman's other stage credits include "Carousel," "Oklahoma!" "Sunset Boulevard" and "Beauty and the Beast".