Hugh Jackman was the host for the 81st Academy Awards in 2009.
The 81st Academy Awards ceremony , presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) , honored the best films of 2008 and took place on February 22 , 2009 , at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood , Los Angeles beginning at 5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST. . Hugh Jackman . Jackman also hosted the 81st Academy Awards on 22 February 2009 .