Shearer to be host of BAFTA event in LA

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Comedian and actor Harry Shearer has agreed to preside over the British Academy of Film and Television/Los Angeles Britannia Awards, Variety.com said.

Shearer has starred in the films "For Your Consideration," "A Mighty Wind," "The Truman Show" and "This is Spinal Tap," but is best known for voicing numerous characters on the long-running animated television show, "The Simpsons."

He has been named the host of the 17th annual BAFTA in Los Angeles event, which is slated to take place Nov. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Ben Affleck, Annette Bening, Jack Black, Patricia Clarkson, Anjelica Huston, Hugh Laurie and Paul Thomas Anderson have signed on to be presenters at the gala, which will honor Sean Penn, Don Cheadle, Tilda Swinton and Stephen Frears, Variety.com said.