Gervais to host Golden Globes
Wow. This is a surprise. Next year, the Golden Globes ceremony is going to feature its first host since 1995, and that host is going to be Ricky Gervais. "I have resisted many other offers like this," Gervais said, "but there are just some things you don't turn down." The telecast is on Jan. 17.
Gervais turned down those previous offers, I bet, because he knows that hosting awards shows is a mostly thankless and doomed job, one that usually only brings criticism and disappointment. It's the very rare awards-show host who doesn't get tiresome by hour three. "Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry, which includes both film and TV," he explained about his change of heart, "but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host." Maybe his lackluster movie career is playing a role in his decision-making, too?
I do hope Gervais (here's my recent interview with him) will be an exception and do a brilliant job. He has had prime moments on awards shows in recent years (see below), and he has helped to change the face of TV comedy across the decade with his influential cringe-comedy masterpiece "The Office." Fingers, as they say, crossed.
What do you think?
If anyone hasn't seen it, go out and get "Extras". Awesome show.
I've been waiting for him to host one of these...he steals the show at awards show...
When Ricky was in Lowell for his movie about a town that doesn't know how to lie, ha-ha, I asked him to come give a talk to a video production class I was organizing for youth at-risk. His trailer was parked about two blocks away from the teen center but apparently only movie stars were worth his time. He should feel right at home at the Golden Globes. His character will be the brown-nosing approval seeker.
Great comedic talent.
Hey Mike-
There's certain channels to go through. Maybe you didn't do that. Also, he shot here in a small amount of time. It's not like he's just hanging out with movie stars, they shoot all through the day. You know, when the lighting is good he needs to film. Ricky does a lot with charity but you can't expect him to take on every request, that's not rational.
Dear Matt,
Hooray for Gmail! I reviewed the 37 emails sent and received related to his invitation and I can confirm that Ricky was formally invited through the most official "channels." Even without the channels, I'd think the flagship youth center in Lowell in the neighborhood his film had taken over doing a video production course would stand out among many vanity requests for star power. Or so I thought. But hey, a collaboration by teens in the program went on to win best documentary at a regional youth film festival anyway. So I guess star power isn't all it's cracked up to be.
The guy is brilliant! Now if only the Oscars will tap Wanda Sykes for hosting duties.
An absolute genius, Ricky Gervais.
I doff my chapeau to you.
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