Aussie movie hunk Hugh Jackman has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.

After agonizing over a list of eligible, high profile film stars, musicians and athletes, editors at the magazine named the 40-year-old its number one of 2008. Jackman succeeds last year's top man Matt Damon, and George Clooney who took the title the year before.

In a special edition of the weekly magazine, there were honorable mentions for handsome contenders Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Seal, Robert Downey Jr., Will Smith, Christian Bale and David Beckham. Potential future title holders Kevin Jonas, Bow Wow and Jesse McCartneywere also mentioned among People's Men of the Year.

Meanwhile, Jackman has responded modestly to news of his sexy status: "My wife (Deborra-Lee Furness) said, 'I could have told them that two years ago,' Then she said, 'Obviously Brad Pitt wasn't available this year.'"

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)