Tucci, Clarkson to host Gotham Awards

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson have signed on as hosts of the 20th anniversary Gotham Independent Film Awards show in New York, organizers said Monday.

The event is to take place Nov. 29.

"We were delighted to hear that Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman passed on hosting the Gotham Awards this year," Tucci and Clarkson joked in a joint statement. "It encouraged the two of us to launch a massive Twitter and Facebook campaign to get the hosting gig. As two actors who love and respect each other's work, and happen to be incredibly good friends, too, what could be more fun than hosting the Gotham Awards on their 20th anniversary? We took the job with the understanding that every time either of us says the word 'independent,' everyone at home watching or attending the awards themselves must take a shot. Here's to a fun evening for all."

"We are thrilled that last year's actor tributee, Stanley, and indie stalwart, Patti Clarkson, will be co-hosting the 20th anniversary Gotham Awards," said Joana Vicente, executive director of the Independent Filmmaker Project, the organization presenting the awards.

Confirmed to be presenters at the ceremony are Julianne Moore, Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Barbara Kopple, Anthony Mackie, Leighton Meester, Rosie Perez, Sam Rockwell, John Turturro and Michelle Williams.