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| In a spiritual sequel to "The Prestige," Wolverine is to preside over Batman's likely winning of numerous awards |
Variety reported Friday that Hugh Jackman, the actor best known to comic book fans for his portrayal of the iconic superhero Wolverine in the X-Men feature films, will host the 81st Annual Academy Awards in February, 2009.
Jackman, who will appear once more as Wolverine in the upcoming “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” previously hosted the Tony Awards in 2005, for which he earned the Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.
Pre-Oscar buzz has the Batman film “The Dark Knight” ranking highly among the possible contenders for the coveted trophies, and Jackman’s association with the ceremony is sure to intensify fan anticipation. Jackman appeared with Batman actor Christian Bale in “The Prestige,” helmed by “Batman Begins” and “Dark Knight” director Christopher Nolan. Given Bale and Jackman’s status as silver screen superheroes, Nolan’s film about rival illusionists is commonly referred to as “Batman Vs. Wolverine,” with the Batman actor winning out in the end.
Given “The Dark Knight’s” presumably high chances for winning any number of Academy Awards, Wolverine may find himself presiding over a ceremony in which Batman triumphs once again.
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Keywords: hugh jackman, x-men origins: wolverine, the dark knight, academy awards, oscars