The host of this year's Jameson Empire Awards has been announced and it's this man: Irish comedian Ed Byrne. The gifted stand-up will be keeping the show on the road come March 24, bringing his sharp observational skills to bear at a venue in London's West End.
Stand-up comedian, Mock The Week-er, and, fact fans, keen hillwalker, Byrne will be putting that expertise - well, most of it - to good use at a suitably glitzy hotel on March 24. He's following in the footsteps of good pal Dara Ó Briain as the man charged with keeping the great and good of movieland entertained, and shouting obscenities at them should the need arise.
"I can't wait to host an awards show run by Empire", Byrne said, "a magazine I actually read, and sponsored by Jameson - a whiskey that I actually drink". Equally enthusiastic was Empire editor Mark Dinning, who set out the new host's movie credentials. "Ed is a massive film fan", said Dinning, "who knows his Batmans and Robins from his Batman & Robin, and who will therefore be a perfect fit for an event that at least takes its subject, if not always itself, very seriously indeed."
Byrne will also be handing out the envelopes containing the names of the winners that can still be voted for by you. Head over to www.empireonline.com/awards2013 and notch your vote for Best Male and Female Newcomer, Best Film (presented by Sky Movies), Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy, The Art Of 3D (presented by RealD), Best Comedy (presented by Magic 105.4), Best British Film, Best Actress (presented by Citroën) and the annual Jameson Best Actor award. No hanging chads here, either.