Deborra-Lee Furness is a lucky woman. Not only is she Hugh Jackman’s main squeeze, but she also is expected to draw a big audience to lead into a very late airing of the Oscars. Given that most people who care will have either read online or seen all the bits from the ceremony they’ll have wanted to see, the return of This Is Your Life is an important one for Channel 9 – they’ve been working these up for some time, and now that Underbelly is out of the way it’s time to give them some air. It’s usually a good bet too… but then, my – how the programming landscape has changed of late. From the press release:

Channel Nine presents a night of Hollywood glamour next Monday with a very special episode of This Is Your Life, followed by the 83rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony.

This Is Your Life, Australia’s all-time favourite feelgood program, has had a makeover and returns in a revamped contemporary format, celebrating the life of actress, director and producer Deborra-Lee Furness.

It features appearances from her husband Hugh Jackman, Jerry Seinfeld, Sigrid Thornton, Nicole Kidman, Simone Buchanan, John Clarke, Peter Phelps, Kerry Armstrong and Tim Costello, all paying tribute to this very special Australian.

Together with performances from Kate Ceberano, Tom Burlinson and Colin Hay, it promises to be captivating viewing.

Host Eddie McGuire will surprise Deborra-Lee with heartfelt reunions, spontaneous revelations and stories from friends and family from around the world.

“This Is Your Life has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding hosting jobs I’ve ever had,” McGuire said.

“The warmth of the studio audience and the moving stories of our guests provide inspiration and lessons in never giving up, in a way that only television can.”

Following This Is Your Life, Richard Wilkins presents the Red Carpet arrivals from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, providing viewers with a front-row seat for all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s elite as they arrive for their night of nights.

Then, from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, comes one of the most hotly anticipated ceremonies in years, hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

Will Australians Nicole Kidman, Jackie Weaver and Geoffrey Rush take out honours in their categories?

This Is Your Life – Mon 28/02 8:30pm, Ch9.
The 83rd Annual Academy Awards – Mon 28/02 9:40pm, Ch9.