Stephen Fry to host the BAFTAs for a 10th time

LONDON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Comedian, actor and writer Stephen Fry is to host the British Academy Film Awards Feb. 8 at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.

This will be the 10th time Fry hosts the ceremony, which is presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

"Hosting the Film Awards has always been a highlight of my year," Fry said in a statement.

"The opportunity to help the academy promote filmmaking and encourage cinema-going means a lot to me. I've met many heroes and had the honor of introducing many young talents that are now busy forging remarkable careers for themselves. Seeing the photos from each year back, I can chart my bewildering changes in weight, too."

The ceremony will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One in the United Kingdom and in all major territories around the world. The BBC One broadcast will be preceded by a red carpet show on BBC Three and complemented by extended coverage from BAFTA online.

Nominees for the BAFTA Film Awards are to be announced Jan. 9.