Ron James named host of Gemini Awards

From a media release:

The Gemini Awards Head West…

• Comedian Ron James Goes to ‘Wild Rose Country’ to Host Canada’s Biggest Night in Television
• The 24th Annual Gemini Awards air on Global and Showcase Saturday, November 14th – 9pm ET/PT from Calgary

Canwest and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television are proud to announce Ron James as the Host of the 24th Annual Gemini Awards.

Honouring the year’s highest achievements in Canadian television, the Awards will be broadcast on Saturday, November 14 – 9pm ET/PT on Global and Showcase direct from the grounds of the historic BMO Centre, Stampede Corral in the beautiful city of Calgary, Alberta.

“We’re on the road again with the Geminis, heading west to the bustling metropolis of Calgary. Coupled with the unique comedic talents of Ron James, this year’s Gala broadcast will be a reflection of the city’s unbridled energy and enthusiasm,” said Christine Shipton SVP, Drama and Factual Content, Canwest Broadcasting. “Across the board, from the nominees to the fans, we can all look forward to an amazing night of entertainment and celebration.”

Hailed by critics nationwide, award-winning comedian, Ron James (“The Ron James Show”), has consistently sold out theatres across the country with his marathon, side-splitting, kinetically charged performances. With a comedian’s eye for satire and a poet’s ear for language, Ron cuts a wide swath through contemporary culture with a razor sharp wit and machine-gun delivery, making him a stand-out among stand-up performers.

Public tickets are now available for the 2009 Gemini Awards Gala ceremony. Fans can visit www.ticketmaster.ca to purchase general admission tickets.

“We are thrilled to bring the Awards show to Calgary and to invite the public to participate in a night that promises to be both inspiring and entertaining,” said Sara Morton, CEO, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. “Ron James will bring an exciting electricity to the awards show, as will this year’s nominees and presenters – it will be a most fitting celebration of the best in Canadian television.”

Launched by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television in 1986, The Gemini Awards honour outstanding achievements in the Canadian English-language television industry. The Gemini Awards bring together over 2,500 of Canada’s most gifted craftspeople, producers and decision-makers over several evenings of special events.

A list of presenters at this year’s Gemini Awards will be announced in the weeks to come. For a complete list of nominations, please visit www.geminiawards.ca.