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Oscars 2009: Actor Hugh Jackman Takes The House Down

February 23, 2009

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HOLLYWOOD, CA (RPRN) 02/23/09 — Oscars 2009: Jackman makes Awkward Musical Bow as Host, Red Carpet Backed up

By Jeffrey Jolson
   — Actor Hugh Jackman opened the show as host, an unusual choice as a comedian with improv talent is usually chosen to keep the show moving when all-cue cards just won’t do. “Everything is being cut back by the recession,” Jackman said in opening monologue, which he

topped off with a very awkward half-joke song about “Slumdog Millionaire” “Milk,” “Dark Knight” and other films from the year.

His funniest line was when he introduced 22-time nominee Meryl Steep and said “You hear those kind of numbers and the first thing you think is ’steroids.’”

Actors were still rushing in as and getting interviewed on the red carpet, despite two lanes of entrances.
Director Danny Boyle with the entire cast of the rags-to-richest story “Slumdog Millionaire” said he was “Absolutely delighted he could get so many of his cast and crew to the Oscars,” most of whom had never even been heard of by voters a few months ago.

Comeback kid Mickey Rourke showed up in a white suit and dark glasses, looking cool after his Independent Spirit Award Best Actor win last night.

Susan Downey, who is producing hubby Robert Downey Jr.’s next movie showed up with him.

Miley Cyrus did an off the rack silver dress and said “I’m one of the Brad and Angelina fans, so I’m thrill to be here. Angelina’s my favorite person in the universe.” Anne Hathaway wore a silver Armani gown she actually bought, rather than took a freebie like any designer would have given her.

Frank Langella who plays Richard Nixon in Nixon/Frost came with his daughter, Designer Valentino showed up, even though he is now retired after a record seven of his gowns have graced Oscar winning ladies - though he makes more news appearances in retirement than he did during three decades of dressing folks for the Academy Awards. Marissa Tomei wore a white Versace.

Meryl Streep came with her daughter also. “I’m happy that she came with me, I needed backup.” Penelope Cruz wore a white 60-year old museum piece dress, talk about classics. “I saw it years ago and it was still there waiting for me,” said the two-time nominee.

Jack Black showed up with wife Tanya, and said to the ABC MC, “I better leave now. Someone more famous is coming down the carpet.”

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