LOS ANGELES — Ricky Gervais will host the 69th Golden Globe Awards, show organizers announced Wednesday.
The British funnyman will reprise his role as emcee of the show, after some critics said his comedic routine went too far when he last hosted.
It will mark the comedian’s third consecutive run as host of the ceremony, which awards the best in TV and film from the past year and is organized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Gervais took criticism for taking scathing swipes at some of Hollywood’s most famous trouble makers when he hosted the 68th Golden Globe Awards in January 2011.
His jokes included making fun of Robert Downey Jr.’s stints in jail and rehab, the widely panned film “The Tourist,” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, as well as Charlie Sheen’s hard-partying ways.
“Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited with mildly sinister overtones, I’d say the vibe of the show is pretty good, wouldn’t you?” Downey commented during the ceremony, as he presented an award.
Philip Berk, the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said he thought Gervais “crossed the line” with his jokes and though many said he overstepped boundaries — several fellow comedians and other celebrities came to his defense.
Gervais himself defended his material and stated that he would not return as host of the show but in November fans spotted him dining out with event organizers and surmised he would be giving it another go.
The 69th Golden Globe Awards will be held on Jan. 15, 2012..