Judd Apatow Announced As The Director's Guild Of America Awards Host
The Directors' Guild of America has a new host. It announced an iconic comedy screenwriting powerhouse to host the upcoming 2018 Directors' Guild Awards.
"We are thrilled to welcome Judd as our host. Beyond his impact as a multi-hyphenate force in our industry, Judd's comedic chops, social consciousness, and lifelong love of film and television underlie his unique ability to entertain with heart---whether behind the scenes or in front of a live audience," said Thomas Schlamme, president of the Directors' Guild of America.
Enter Judd Apatow
Screenwriter and director Judd Apatow will host the DGA Awards for the first time. For nearly three decades, Apatow has been behind some of the greatest comedic films of all time.
He rewrote some of the 1990s instant comedy classics such as Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Liar Liar. Apatow also served as a producer of blockbuster comedies, including This is 40, Get Him to the Greek, and Bridesmaids. He also directed Knocked Up, Funny People, and Trainwreck.
Recently, Apatow also helped bring the drama The Big Sick to the silver screen. The film turned out to be a star-making vehicle for Kumail Nanjiani who was named one of Entertainment Weekly's Entertainers of 2017. The American Film Institute called The Big Sick as one of its 10 best films of 2017.
Apatow is expected to replace the ceremony's master of ceremonies Jane Lynch. The former Glee star and Hollywood Game Night host participated in the DGA Awards for the past three years.
Superstar Award Hosts
Apatow is not the only celebrity host that is working the 2018 awards circuit. Seth Meyers delivered fiery jokes and commentary when he emceed the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.
On Jan. 11, The Newsroom and X-Men: Apocalypse actress Olivia Munn will host the Critics' Choice Awards. Actress Kristen Bell will make history on Jan. 21 when she becomes the very first person to host the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The Late Late Show host and actor James Corden will resume hosting the 60th Annual Grammy Awards when it broadcasts from New York City's Madison Square Garden. The award season will officially end when Jimmy Kimmel returns to host the 2018 Academy Awards in March for its 90th anniversary.
The Apatow-hosted Director's Guild Awards will be guided by veteran Director's Guild Awards member Don Mischer, who is expected to serve as the event's chair. Mischer has won numerous awards for his work with award ceremonies. Apatow has been a member of the Director's Guild of America for 20 years.
The Director's Guild Awards is expected to take place on Feb. 3.
