Shatner to host Annie Awards

BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Television personality and actor William Shatner has signed on to serve as host of the 37th annual Annie Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, organizers said.

The event honoring the previous year's best in animation is to take place Feb. 6 at UCLA's Royce Hall.

"ASIFA-Hollywood is honored to have William Shatner host this year's Annie Awards," ASIFA-Hollywood President Antran Manoogian said in a statement. "We are looking forward to Mr. Shatner's unique and commanding presence presiding over the show."

ASIFA-Hollywood is a branch of the International Animated Film Association.

Walt Disney Animation Studios' "The Princess and the Frog" received eight Annie Award nominations, including one for best animated feature and individual nominations for animated effects, character animation, production design and voice acting, while its "Prep and Landing" received nine nominations including best animated television production and individual nominations for character animation, character design, music, production design, storyboarding and writing.

DreamWorks Animation received 11 nominations, including one for best animated television production for "Merry Madagascar."

Laika received a total of 10 nominations including best animated feature for "Coraline" and Pixar Animation Studios received a total of nine nominations including best animated feature for "Up."

Shatner, 78, is best known for his work on the TV shows "Star Trek," "T.J. Hooker" and "Boston Legal."