X-Man Doesn't Mark the Spot for Oscars: Hugh Jackman Won't Rehost

Aussie actor quietly withdraws as MC for 82nd Academy Awards; isn't ruling out a return to the podium in the future

Hugh Jackman would like to thank the Academy, but no thanks.

Despite his critically (the gig garnered several Emmy nominations) and publicly (he breathed new life and viewers into the ratings sinkhole) acclaimed Oscars hosting stint last spring, the Aussie actor will not be returning to the podium for the 2010 telecast.

According to Variety, Jackman's quiet exit doesn't mean he won't one day become this generation's Billy Crystal. He reportedly has not ruled out a return to the Oscar stage but just didn't want to emcee for two consecutive years.

Fair enough. After all, how are we supposed to realize how good this is until we spend a year without it?

No frontrunner has emerged to fill Jackman's sizable song-and-dance shoes, but with one obvious fill-in, Ricky Gervais, suddenly bringing new buzz to the Golden Globes, the Academy better bring out the big guns.

So…Stephen Colbert, Neil Patrick Harris, Conan O'Brien, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, uh, Robert Pattinson…who would you like to see host the 82nd Annual Academy Awards when they return March 7?