Hugh Jackman Turns Down Oscars 2011 Hosting Gig

Aussie actor Hugh Jackman has turned down an offer to reprise his gig as host of the 83rd Academy Awards — set for Feb. 27 — because he’s already committed to filming the upcoming sequel to his superhero hit Wolverine, Deadline Hollywood reports.

As host of the Oscars in 2009, Jackman showcased his versatility on the stage with a song and dance number that parodied a number of movies that were nominated for the Best Picture Award that year. Hugh, 42, was so popular that The Academy asked him to host the show again in 2010, but he turned them down. At the time, Jackman said he didn’t want to do the job two years in a row. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin took on the job instead.

This year it’s work that’s keeping the star sidelined on American cinema’s biggest night. Jackman declined the offer is because it clashes with his filming schedule for X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2 which begins filming in late February or early March.

Last year the host was announced in early November so it is expected that the 2011 compere will be revealed shortly.