Golden Globes tap Ricky Gervais to host
Last Updated: Monday, October 26, 2009 | 4:13 PM ET
CBC News
Ricky Gervais, shown at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., in January, has been chosen to host the upcoming edition of the show. (Mark J.Terrill/Associated Press)After a funny turn as a presenter at the Golden Globe Awards this year, British comedian Ricky Gervais has been tapped to host the upcoming edition.
Organizers announced their pick of actor and comedian Gervais on Monday.
"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host," Gervais said in a statement.
"I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down."
The creator of award-winning TV hits The Office and Extras, hugely popular comedy podcasts and the children's book series Flanimals, Gervais has also expanded into feature films.
After appearing in movies like the Night at the Museum films, he recently took on lead roles in 2008's Ghost Town and 2009's The Invention of Lying.
Held by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and often seen as one of the important precursors to the subsequent Academy Awards, the Golden Globes have not had a single host helm the annual ceremonies since the mid-1990s. In recent years, producers favoured a format that featured a host of celebrity presenters.
Nominations for the 67th Golden Globe Awards will be announced on Dec. 15, with the ceremony to be broadcast live from Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 17.
With files from The Associated Press
