Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes

'The Invention of Lying' star was a Golden Globe winner for 'The Office'

By Daniel Fienberg Monday, Oct 26, 2009 2:26 PM

Ricky Gervais

Credit: Mark J. Terrill/AP

After stand-out guest appearances at several recent award shows, Ricky Gervais is going to try his hand as host of the Golden Globes in January.

The Golden Globes have not had a host since 1995, but Gervais will oversee the 2010 ceremony, which NBC will be airing live from coast-to-coast on Sunday, January 17 from the Beverly Hilton.

"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. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down," Gervais explains in NBC's press release.

Indeed, Gervais' name has regularly been tossed out as a possible host for both the Emmys and Oscars in recent years after successful presenting stints on both shows.

"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," says Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. "He'll bring his unique brand of humor and charm to what will continue to be a fast paced award show."

Gervais won a Golden Globe in 2004 for his work on the original British "The Office" and picked up a second nod in 2008 for "Extras." He has Emmy wins for "Extras" and in his capacity as executive producer on the American "Office." On the big screen Gervais recently starred in "The Invention of Lying," which also marked his feature debut as a writer-director.

"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory," states Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "His unique comedic style will enhance the only awards show that brings together television and film stars to celebrate entertainment's biggest night of the year."

Nominations for the 67th Annual Golden Globes will be announced at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, December 15.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.