According to a report late Tuesday night on the New York Times web site, and picked up by Variety, The Daily Show funnyman Jon Stewart will host the 80th annual Academy Awards on February 24 — his second Oscars gig, and a return to the Kodak Theatre after a year’s absence. Ellen DeGeneres hosted last year’s ceremonies.

UPDATE 9/13: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed Stewart as the gig’s host, quoting him as saying, “I’m thrilled to be asked to host the Academy Awards for the second
time because, as they say, the third time’s a charm.”