Ricky Gervais
Paul Drinkwater/NBC/AP
“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 Monday. "I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down."
This marks the first time that the telecast has had a host since 1995. This year's Golden Globes will be broadcast live on NBC on Jan. 17 from the Beverly Hilton Hotel starting at 8 p.m. ET. Nominations will be announced Dec. 15.
"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," said Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Gervais, 48, proved to be a highlight during last year's telecast when he cracked a joke about best supporting actress winner Kate Winslet, her movie The Reader and his own lack of a nomination. "What did I tell you, Winslet – do a Holocaust movie, win an award," he said at the time. "That's the trouble with Holocaust films: There's no gag reel on the DVD."
A four-time Emmy winner, Gervais has also won three Golden Globes. In 2008, his HBO show Extras was named best TV comedy at the Globes.
