THE ACADEMY AWARDS 2009

Some oscar prognosticators worry that the telecast’s ratings may suffer because Academy voters, stupidly, overlooked the Dark Knight- the sort of phenomenal hit that draws viewers- for the Best Picture rase. In that event, this year’s host needs to be more than an amusing emcee: He’ll have to be a white knight. Here we come to one smart think the Academy has done for 2009’s show. Instead of the standard comedian, we get Australia actor and X-Men star Hugh Jackman. He’s a dynamic live performer. Yes, so are you, Jon Stewart, but you don’t have the hot energy Jackman brought to his three stints hosting the Tonys. (Check out You Tube) this isn’t a performer who’ll mine a monologue for a few chuckles. Jackman combines the virile good looks of Warren Beatty and the stage razzle-dazzle of Liza Minnelli (both former Oscar cohosts, by the way).

Lat’s hope he ends up being handed the statue he already earned as Tonys host-the Emmy. by, Tom Gliatto