Timberlake to Host ESPYs

By Chris Pursell

ESPN has tapped Justin Timberlake for hosting duties at the 16th annual ESPY Awards, which will be presented this year at the new Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The annual awards ceremony, which honors the best in athletic competition, will be televised on July 20 at 9 p.m. on ESPN.

“I’m very excited to be hosting the 16th edition of the ESPYs. I can’t wait for the day of the show, as I’m truly a sports junkie,” said Mr. Timberlake. “Since the last ESPYs there have been amazing moments in sports, and I’m looking forward to recapping all of them with ESPN’s diehard fans.”

Mr. Timberlake scored recently with his multiplatinum album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” which had four consecutive No. 1 singles. He has had roles in several films including “Shrek the Third,” “Black Snake Moan,” “Alpha Dog” and “Southland Tales.” This summer Timberlake will be seen in “The Love Guru,” co-starring Mike Myers and Jessica Alba.

This won’t be his first gig as an awards host. Mr. Timberlake took the spotlight last year as host of Nickelodeon’s “Kids Choice Awards.”

“I'm beyond excited to have Justin as this year’s host. Not only is he a world-class music performer and established actor, but he is a talented and creative producer,” said Maura Mandt, executive producer of the 2008 ESPYs. “He brings his talent and enthusiasm for sports to the show. And this year, with Justin and a new home at Nokia Theater L.A. Live, the ESPYs will rise to a new level.”