The Webby Awards announced that comedian Patton Oswalt would be the host of their 16th annual ceremony. The awards, which is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, honors the best in online media from the past year, and will be streamed live on May 21 on their website.
"We are really excited for Patton Oswalt to bring his comedic genius to The Webbys," said David-Michel Davies, the Executive Director of The Webby Awards, in a statement. "Patton is the rare comedian who is just as funny online as on a stage. As we push the boundaries of integrating the audience at home with the live show we think Patton is uniquely suited to be this year's Webby host."
This hosting job will be another feather in the cap that has been Oswalt's career over the last couple years. The comedian has written a book, released an hour-long comedy special and album, starred in a bizarrely wonderful Adult Swim show ("The Heart, She Holler") and had a major supporting role in the Jason Reitman film "Young Adult." Hopefully, this could mean even more high-profile hosting gigs for the comedian, roundly acclaimed as one of the best of his generation.
Oswalt follows other high-profile comedians who have hosted the awards since they started being broadcast live in 2005. Rob Corddry, Seth Meyers, B.J. Novak and Lisa Kudrow have hosted the ceremony in past years.
The Webbys are famous for including comedy in the awards presentation. They limit award winners to five-word speeches, which has resulted in some memorable speeches, such as Arianna Huffington saying in spring 2008, "President Obama. Sounds good, right?" upon receiving the Best Political Blog award for this site. That same year, Stephen Colbert's speech consisted of "Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!"
Voting for the Webby People's Voice Awards will take place from April 10 to April 26. Winners will be announced on May 1.