Seth Rogen, who is better known for major-studio comedies than for indie films, has been named host of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Rogen's latest film, "50/50," received three Spirit Awards nominations, including Best Film and Best Screenplay.
Film Independent, the non-profit organization that produces the Indie Spirit Awards, also announced that longtime executive producer Diana Zahn-Storey, who worked on the show for a number of years before leaving in 2009 to form her own company, will return.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Seth as the host for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards and join us in celebrating this year’s exquisite films and talented filmmaking artists," FIND senior director Sean McManus said in a press release. "Seth’s charm, intelligence and quick wit are sure to light up the room and will make for a truly entertaining afternoon.
“We’re also pleased to welcome back Diana. Her creativity and passion for independent film has delivered some of the Spirit Awards’ most memorable moments.”
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A former standup comedian who broke into acting via Judd Apatow's television shows "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared," Rogen has written, produced and acted in a number of films, including "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" and "Pineapple Express."
The last Spirit Awards show was hosted by Joel McHale; British comic Eddie Izzard handled the gig in 2010.
Rogen's selection comes on the heels of a rocky stretch for the Academy Awards, in which that show booked Eddie Murphy to host, then lost Murphy after producer Brett Ratner resigned because of intemperate comments at a Q&A and on a radio show. New producer Brian Grazer then brought in Billy Crystal to host the Oscar show for the ninth time.
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The 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards will take place on the afternoon of February 25, 2012, the day before the Academy Awards. It will be held in a tent on Santa Monica beach, and will be broadcast later that evening on IFC.