The signing of Hugh Jackman as host of the 81st Oscarcast is a signal that "we are trying to turn a corner and to give the evening more of a nightclub-party feel -- which it once had," said the show's producer Laurence Mark.
Mark told Daily Variety that they wanted someone other than a standup performer. "Since it's a celebration of movies, we felt it was important to have someone who's a movie star." He added that since the show takes place in the Kodak and is watched by millions of TV viewers and film fans, "We were very lucky to get Hugh, who can hold a screen and can hold a stage."
Aside from Jackman's dramatic roots -- he stars in "Australia" and will next be seen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," having portrayed the title character in the three "X-Men" hits -- he has strong musical talents. Jackman won a 2004 Tony for his performance in the tuner "The Boy From Oz" and won a 2005 Emmy for his duties as Tony host, in which he sang and danced.
But Condon reiterated, "I wouldn't assume the show will be more musical."
Mark added, "The good news is that if one wants a musical number on the show, Hugh gives a good reason for one. But if there are musical numbers, there has to be a good reason for their being on the show and they should be numbers we are all excited about it."
Jackman has previously been an Oscar presenter. In a statement, he said, "I am very grateful to the Academy for giving me this opportunity. And, excited to be working with Larry and Bill on what I know will be a fun and memorable celebration."
CLICK HERE and see the FULL LIST of the NOMINATIONS!
BATMAN DISCS FLYING OFF THE SHELVES
Leaders of SAG's New York branch have split from the Hollywood leadership and called for the guild to stop its strike authorization vote.
In a statement issued Friday, the New York reps cited the nation's worsening financial crisis for the move. The division leaders noted that while they had voted in October to support seeking a strike authorization if federal mediation failed, conditions have changed since then.
"While issuing a strike authorization may have been a sensible strategy in October, we believe it is irresponsible to do so now, in the face of widespread layoffs, cutbacks and reduced programming," the NY board said in a statement. "The hardest and most important decision any union member must make is whether or not to go on strike. Before we ask you to make that choice, we feel we must, as your elected representatives, make every move we can to get you a deal."
The New York reps asked that all plans for a strike referendum cease; that SAG president Alan Rosenberg immediately call an emergency national board meeting; that the national board appoint a new negotiating task force to replace the current negotiating committee at this emergency meeting; and that the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers be encouraged "in the strongest of terms" to return to the bargaining table.
"With a fresh team, the AMPTP will return to the table, and we can get a fair deal," the NY reps said. "A deal that will not cost careers, homes, lives. We want our members to understand that while strikes are sometimes unavoidable, we will do everything in our power to avoid this one."
SAG president Alan Rosenberg responded by denouncing the move while agreeing to hold an emergency national board meeting at a yet to be announced date.
CLASSIC FILMS
BY GENRE
Slumdog Millionaire
Frost/Nixon
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Australia
Quantum of Solace
Milk
The Secret Life of Bees
BOX OFFICE
City of Ember
Four Christmases
Twilight
Bolt
