Ricky Gervais to Host the Golden Globes
The 69th annual Golden Globes can “expect the unexpected” with the return of Ricky Gervais as its host.
"Boom! Back hosting Golden Globes. Be afraid, Hollywood egos, be very afraid. It's gonna be biblical," Gervais tweeted Wednesday.
Gervais, who is know to make controversial remarks about celebrities, is back for the third year in a row. Viewers and stars alike may be on their toes while he hosts the ceremony on Jan. 15.
In regards to his opening monologue for the 2011 Golden Globes, Gervais tweeted, "...I'm telling you now if you dont like it...F**k you! If you do like it...Love you! Cheers Night twonks."
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Wednesday that Gervais was chosen after discussing with Doug Vaughan, NBC's senior vice president of special programs and late night.
“While many welcome Gervais’ return, not everyone is happy with the decision because last year his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters,” according to the HFPA announcement.
At the ceremony earlier this year, Gervais made remarks at Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey Jr., the Church of Scientology and Bruce Willis, whom he referred to as “Ashton Kutcher’s dad.” The comedian also joked around saying the HPFA accepted bribes for nominating the Johnny Depp-Angelina Jolie film “The Tourist.”
He “definitely crossed the line,” said Philip Berk, former president of the HFPA at the time. “But that’s Ricky."
Initially reluctant to the idea, Gervais met with the HFPA President Aida Takla-O’Reilly in Paris and eventually gave in to the job.
"When you hire Ricky Gervais, you expect the unexpected," said Berk.
