Kristen Bell

In its 24-year history, the Screen Actors Guild Awards has never had a host. The Veronica Mars star, 37, tells WHO about her pioneering role at this year’s SAGS. (Mon., Jan. 22, live from midday; Foxtel Arts)

How did you react when they asked you to be their first host?

It’s a little unnerving to know no-one has ever done it. But my honest reaction was I thought it was really

cool, and I was flattered.

How will this year’s awards be different from past shows?

We’re going to be celebrating more women. It’s in direct response to the winds of change that are happening. Women are having a moment where a lot of them who haven’t had a voice are finding theirs. We want this night to honour that.

Who will you be cheering for on the big night?

I cheer for everyone. That’s a character defect of mine. I’ll be making my own statues. Everyone who is nominated will get one.

Have you asked your husband, Dax Shepard, for input?

He does let me run things by him. It’s very helpful to live with a writer. You can whisper things in their ear as they are falling asleep and ask, “Is this funny?”

Will your daughters [Delta, 3, and Lincoln, 4] be watching Mum host?

They’re in that phase where they think when adults talk it is very boring. So I don’t think they’ll be watching.