Ricky Gervais to host record fifth Golden Globes
Provocative British comic Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes for a record fifth time in January, organizers announced Tuesday. The annual film and television awards are seen by many as an important bellwether for Oscars success, but the ceremony’s more informal-and often alcohol-fueled-tone is also a draw for stars and audiences. Gervais’ no-holds-barred humor as host has drawn praise and criticism in previous years, when he took sharp digs at A-listers and the industry.
“Once again, they’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse. But this is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening,” Gervais said in a statement. Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said Gervais’ return meant audiences should “expect the unexpected.” Gervais hosted the ceremony for three consecutive years from 2010-12, before returning in 2016. His most recent appearance saw Gervais crack risque jokes about former Olympic athlete and transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner, and scandal-hit director Roman Polanski.
Gervais-himself a multiple Golden Globe winner for “The Office” and “Extras”-greeted the crowd with the line: “Shut up, you disgusting, pill-popping deviant scum!” Last year, 18.6 million viewers tuned in for a ceremony hosted by comedian Andy Samberg and actress Sandra Oh. The 77th annual ceremony will take place in Beverly Hills on January 5, with a total of 25 awards handed out for film and television across a three-hour broadcast. —AFP