LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Jon Stewart will host the Academy Awards next February, the New York Times reported on its Web site on Tuesday.

Stewart, 44, previously hosted Hollywood's top honors in 2006. This year's Oscar show was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.

The New York Times report was sourced to two unidentified insiders, who said an official announcement would be made on Wednesday by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group that hands out the Oscars. An academy spokeswoman was not available for comment.

The 80th annual Academy Awards will take place in Hollywood on February 24.

Stewart hosts the "The Daily Show," an influential, Emmy-winning "fake" news show that airs on the Comedy Central cable network.

oooo, thats exciting!! i love him!

YES! I freaking love Jon Stewart!

yea i am so happy he is great

I am really surprized they are having him back.
Don't get me wrong, I thought he did a good job when he hosted, and he was really funny, but lots of folks just weren't into him. Plus the ratings weren;t that good when he hosted.
I would have thought Ellen would have been brought back. I'm not a big fan, but I thought her easygoing style fit in a little better with the Oscar crowd.

Awesome, Jon Stewart is really funny... really talented.

I like Jon & think he did a Great job at the 2006 Oscars, but I would like to see Ellen host them again.