Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Academy Awards¨ telecast, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced today. This will be JackmanÕs first time center stage at the Oscar show, although he has previously been a presenter. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.