Critics' Choice Awards returning to VH1

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- VH1 says the 15th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards telecast will air live on the U.S. network for a third consecutive year next January.

The prizes are bestowed annually by the Broadcast Film Critics Association to honor the previous year's finest in cinematic achievement.

It is also the first televised prize presentation show of the year, VH1 noted.

Nominations for the 2010 awards will be announced Dec. 14.

"Critics' Choice Movie Awards viewers last year witnessed a truly spectacular Hollywood event where A-list stars from the film world gathered at this intimate yet high-energy event thrown by our nation's leading film critics," VH1 President Tom Calderone said in a statement. "We're already working with our wonderful partners at the BFCA on giving VH1 viewers an even bigger show on Jan. 15, 2010 -- and we can't wait."

BFCA President Joey Berlin lauded VH1 for transforming the show "into a memorable television event.

"The stars have always come out for our show, and they surely will be there in abundance again this year," he said. "I'm confident the 15th Critics' Choice Movie Awards show will be the best ever."