In grand news for awards-show watchers, Ricky Gervais will be back to host the Golden Globes in his take-no-prisoners style for a fifth time.
“Once again, they’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse,” Gervais said in a statement. “But this is the very last time I’m doing this, which could make for a fun evening.”
NBC will present the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at 8 p.m. Eastern Sunday, Jan. 5, from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association presents awards in 25 categories: 14 for movies and 11 for television.
Prognosticators say the early favorites on the movie side include “The Irishman,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Marriage Story” and “Parasite.”
On the TV side, look for Netflix’s “The Crown” to do well. That lavish look at the life of Queen Elizabeth II starts streaming Sunday, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman takes over the role.
Nominations will be announced Dec. 9.
The Golden Globes usually offer the most fun of the awards shows. Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh hosted this year.
The best news for now is that Gervais will be back, because he keeps the night intriguing and repeatedly stuns the celebrity audience.
“There is always a palpable electricity in the room when Ricky takes the Globes stage. His return as master of ceremonies at the Golden Globes is much anticipated,” said Paul Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment. “It is sure to make for an unexpected evening. We can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve.”