Australian actor HUGH JACKMAN has turned down the chance to host the Academy Awards for the second year in a row.

The X-Men star took up the coveted position at the 2009 ceremony and drew praise for his entertaining song-and-dance routines.

He had been expected to return to host the upcoming 2010 event in March (10), but industry publication Variety reports he has rebuffed an offer from Oscar bosses.

The 82nd annual Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on 7 March (10).