On February 22, 2009, during a financial crisis and with no major blockbusters among the Best Picture nominees, the Academy Awards seemed destined for disappointment.
Traditionally, the Oscars had started with comedic hosts like Bob Hope, Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Martin, Jon Stewart, and Billy Crystal. But that year, they took a different approach, opting for a musical theatre-style opening instead of comedy.
Hugh Jackman, known for hosting the Tony Awards three times, was chosen to lead the show, bringing a fresh twist to the prestigious event.
With his rich experience in musical theater, including roles in Sunset Boulevard, Oklahoma!, and Carousel, Hugh Jackman was the perfect choice for the Oscars stage.
Dressed sharply in a suit, he dazzled at the 81st Academy Awards with an opening number that quickly became iconic, called “the best opening of any Oscars.”
With 25 million views online, fans keep returning to watch the performance again and again and now it becomes one of the most memorable of all time.
Hugh Jackman turned a tight budget into a creative advantage. He created a musical sketch using homemade props to humorously represent major nominees like Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, The Dark Knight, and Frost/Nixon.
He even pulled Anne Hathaway out of the audience to participate in his skit. Anne was first surprised but seconds later she showcased her talent by playing the world’s cutest Richard Nixon.
But the best part of the performance was Jackman’s witty saying, “I ironed all my men and frosted my Nixon, because I am Hugh Jackman!” The entire routine was a delightful mix of humor, entertainment, and cleverness.
Plenty of viewers online give him sincere compliments like “I like Hugh Jackman for the way he truly is enjoying this, trying not to burst into laughter a couple of times. I like how it’s about him but he doesn’t forget to give a thumbs up to the technicians in the end. He really seems to me like a great man, with of course, epic talent.”