The comedian who has won three prizes from the awards event in the previous years said he would normally turn down offers like this, but not this one.
- Oct 27, 2009
AceShowbiz - The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards has tapped British comedian Ricky Gervais to host its show in January. The event traditionally went host-free in the past years and only has different presenters each year to give an introduction. Thus, this marks the first time the Golden Globes is hiring someone to lead the night since 1995 telecast where John Larroquette and Janine Turner took the role.
"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 on Monday, October 26. "I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down."
In return the President of Hollywood Foreign Press Association Philip Berk said, "We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show."
Gervais' name in fact was the first that came into mind when the producers of the show decided to abide to NBC's demand to have a host for the show. "The time felt right. There are very few things that seem such an obvious choice," NBC alternative topper Paul Telegdy said. "His was the only name we discussed. We agreed on it there and then."
The live show will be broadcast by NBC on January 17 at 8/7c from Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles. Nominees will be announced on December 15.
