Man of the moment, Hugh Jackman, turns 40 this weekend just weeks before the release of the keenly anticipated new Baz Luhrmann flick, Australia — hotly tipped to be one of the movie highlights of the year.

In pictures: See Hugh throughout his career, pictured alongside some of Hollywood's hottest leading ladies.

Having become one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men, Hugh has enjoyed a new level of success since starring in hit films such as Swordfish — where he starred alongside Hollywood heavyweight John Travolta — Van Helsing, The Prestige, and landing the role of Wolverine in the X-Men movies.

Jackman also starred as Leopold in the 2001 romantic comedy film Kate & Leopold, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

In 2004 the Aussie star went on to win a Tony Award for his Broadway portrayal of Australian songwriter and performer Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz, while also earning himself an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performer in a Variety, Musical or Comedy program in 2005.

Hugh's latest role in the blockbuster movie Australia sees him starring alongside Aussie star Nicole Kidman on a sweeping outback set during World War II. The film tells the story of an English aristocrat (Kidman), who inherits a huge cattle station, leading her to become captivated by its Australian drover (Jackman). The film is set to storm the box office, and hits cinemas on November 26.

Check out Australia's hottest male export in pictures.

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