Fox News reports that Jackman has asked Luhrmann (and Luhrmann's wife Catherine Martin), who directed Jackman in the recent film "Australia," to stage his opening number for the upcoming Oscar telecast. As previously reported, Jackman will be the host of the 81st Academy Awards. The Feb. 22 ceremony — which will be produced by Laurence Mark and executive produced by Bill Condon — will feature set designs by Broadway designer David Rockwell. ABC will broadcast the ceremony live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

Luhrmann's Broadway La Bohème in 2002-03 had the look of his richly romantic film "Moulin Rouge." Its two 2003 Tony Award wins were for Scenic Design (Catherine Martin) and Lighting Design (Nigel Levings). The production was also nominated for Direction (Luhrmann), Revival of a Musical, Costume Design (Martin) and Orchestrations (Nicholas Kitsopoulos).

Jackman, most recently seen on screen in "Australia," earned a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz. He is also known for his film roles in the "X-Men" trilogy, "Someone Like You," "Swordfish," "Kate and Leopold," "Van Helsing" and the recent "The Fountain" and "Happy Feet" (in voice). His stage credits also include Trevor Nunn's staging of Oklahoma! at Britian's National Theatre and award-winning work in productions of Sunset Boulevard and Beauty and the Beast in his homeland.

For more information visit www.oscars.org.