Steve Coogan

British comic actor Coogan in a scene from " Hamlet 2." (Cathy Kanavy / AP / Focus Features)

By Susan King Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

December 10, 2008
British comic actor Steve Coogan of "24 Hour Party People," "Hamlet 2" and "Tropic Thunder" fame, has been named master of ceremonies for the 2009 Spirit Awards. Film Independent made the announcement Wednesday morning. The ceremony will take place in a tent on the beach on Santa Monica on Feb. 21, the day before the Academy Awards.

"We are so excited to have Steve Coogan as this year's host," said Spirit Awards executive producer Diana Zahn-Storey in a statement. "He's a brilliant actor and comedian whose style and accent will bring an international flair to the event."

Previous hosts include John Waters, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Silverman and Rainn Wilson.
Get breaking news alerts delivered to your mobile phone. Text BREAKING to 52669. You will receive up to 30 msgs/mo. Msg&data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.