Hugh Jackman brings it for an incredible opening Oscars act

With no major upsets expected this year, and no blockbusters nominated, the Oscars really had to shake things up to interest viewers and keep them watching for the full three plus hours of industry-focused awards. From most people’s estimation, Jackman’s first act succeeded. The Oscars definitely have a different feel this year.

The introductory song and dance number was incredible. Jackman performed quick musical tributes to all of the nominated pictures after joking that he wasn’t able to do an opening number due to the recession. A rudimentary set was then brought out to represent the Slumdog Millionaire game show set with pizza boxes.

Jackman’s next number was for Frost/Nixon. He dragged a faux surprised Anne Hathaway from the first row of audience. Anne can really sing as we’ve seen on SNL.

There was an hysterical skit with dancers in unitards for The Reader, with Jackman singing that he hadn’t seen it. He posed with his face behind figures of different ages for Benjamin Button, eliciting laughter from star Brad Pitt in the first row. Hugh was his hands on knees for Wrestler, ending up in a hastily-made ring with two cut-out Oscars.

He sang at the end “I am the Oscars, I am the Wrestler, I am the Reader, I’m Wolverine” and earned a standing ovation.

Hugh promised drunk, naked Oscars with some YouTube moments and he seems to have brought it. He still has to deliver on the naked part, although I’ll settle for shirtless.

We’ll update this post with the video when it becomes available.