The Bridesmaids actor will replace James Nesbitt who had hosted for six years.

Bridesmaids actor Chris O’Dowd is to host this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) on December 4 at Old Billingsgate in London.

He replaces James Nesbitt who has hosted the awards for the past six years and will now become a patron of BIFA.

Irish actor O’Dowd is best known with British audiences for his role in Channel 4’s The IT Crowd as well as appearing in Dinner For Schmucks, The Boat That Rocked and Gulliver’s Travels.

Following his turn in hit comedy Bridesmaids earlier this year, he will be seen next in Judd Apatow’s This Is 40 opposite Paul Rudd.

BIFA organisers Johanna von Fisher and Tessa Collinson said: “We are so thrilled that Chris will be our host this year, he couldn’t be more perfect for the job. A home-grown talent who embodies all the fun and laid-back charm that the Moët BIFAs have become known and loved for. It promises to be a hugely enjoyable night!”

O’Dowd joked:  “It’s a ceremony which cherishes innovation, elegance and class so I’m humbled that they’ve chosen a host who so clearly lacks any of these things. Expect dancing girls.”

The full BIFA jury has also been unveiled and will be made up of producer Andrew Eaton, director Josh Appignanesi, actress Gemma Arterton, casting director Lucy Bevan, broadcaster Edith Bowman, Screen’s editor Mike Goodridge, art director Neil Lamont, actor Joseph Mawle, photographer Mary McCartney, composer Molly Nyman, director/writer Debs Paterson, producer Tracey Seaward, producer Charles Steel, actor David Thewlis, actress Ruth Wilson and editor Justine Wright.

 

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