In this Jan. 11, 2009 file photo, Ricky Gervais poses for a photo backstage at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mark J.Terrill, file)

LOS ANGELES - British comedian Ricky Gervais has been picked as host of the Golden Globes, the first time in more than a decade that the Hollywood awards show has used an emcee.

A more freewheeling affair than the Academy Awards and other Hollywood honours, the Globes are known as a place where stars can cut loose over dinner and drinks. Gervais said it was a good environment to give him free rein as host.

"I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down," said Gervais, who starred in HBO's "Extras" and the original British version of "The Office."

The Globes have gone without a host since 1995, when John Larroquette and Janine Turner teamed up for the job. Globe organizers decided to do away with the host because they felt the show had enough star power with the celebrities presenting its film and TV awards.

But after Gervais made a hilarious appearance as a presenter at last season's Globes, the show's organizers decided to sign him up to emcee the ceremony on Jan. 17.

"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory," said Paul Telegdy, executive vice-president for alternative programming at NBC, which airs the Globes.

Nominations for the 67th annual Globes will be announced Dec. 15. The awards are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Philip Berk, who heads the press association, said it was the network's idea to add a host back to the show.

"We never thought a host was necessary. Only when NBC suggested the idea that a host might enhance the show, my response was the only person we would consider for the task would be Ricky Gervais," Berk said. "And we were lucky to get him."

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