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.
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Photo:
Jon Stewart poses backstage after winning an Emmy for outstanding variety, music or comedy series at the 58th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles August 27, 2006. Stewart will host the Academy Awards next February, the New York Times reported on its Web site on Tuesday. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni