娱乐英语新闻:Ricky Gervais to return as Golden Globes host

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Comedian Ricky Gervais will return to host the 69th Golden Globes awards ceremony early next year, which will be his third stint at the telecast, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced on Wednesday.

The association voted for the controversial British comedian's return after meeting with NBC official Doug Vaughn. The event will be broadcast live on NBC on Jan. 15 at Beverly Hilton Hotel.

"While many welcome Gervais' return, not everyone is happy with the decision because last year his blunt one-liners targeting big-name celebrities caused anger and resentment in some quarters," the HFPA said.

This will be the outspoken comedian's third time to perform hosting duties at the Golden Globe awards event. His return, which was rumored for some time, was thought to be questionable due to some criticisms he received for his blunt humor during this year's broadcast.

The British actor ruffled some celebrity feathers with his incisive barbs at this year's ceremony. He also implied that the HFPA had accepted bribes in exchange for nominating the poorly received Johnny Depp-Angelina Jolie film "The Tourist" for various awards.

The comedian has not made any immediate comment over the matter.