Double Oscar winner Tom Hanks to take stage at 2006 awards

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Double Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks will take a starring role at this year's Academy Awards as a presenter of the coveted golden statuettes, organisers said. Hanks, 49, has appeared in more than 50 films. He won back to back best actor Oscars for his roles in 1993's "Philadelphia" and 1994's "Forrest Gump," and has also become one of Hollywood's most powerful producers and directors. The actor, who shot to fame in 1984's mermaid tale "Splash" opposite Daryl Hannah, also won Academy Award nominations for his leading roles in 1988's "Big," the 1998 war drama "Saving Private Ryan" and "Cast Away" (2000). [More]