Kenan Thompson to Host 'People's Choice Awards'

SANTA MONICA, CA — "Saturday Night Live" veteran actor and entertainer Kenan Thompson is trying out a new role: host of the "People's Choice Awards."

NBC and E! announced on Monday that Thompson will be the host of the 2021 "People's Choice Awards," a ceremony scheduled from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. It will be televised live simultaneously on Dec. 7 at 9 p.m.

"I can't believe I get to host the PCAs!! I'm beyond blessed to be nominated twice and part of two more nominations for SNL. Good times indeed!" Thompson said in a release. "Congrats to all the nominees -- we already won!"

Thompson is nominated for two People's Choice Awards, Comedy TV Star and Male TV Star for his work on "Saturday Night Live."

"Kenan's versatility and commitment to creating quality entertainment that has sparked laughter for over three decades has made him one of the most endeared comedians of our time," Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming, said in a release. "We cannot wait to welcome him to the `People's Choice Awards' stage where his charisma and humor will undoubtedly bring fans to their feet."

Thompson started his 19th season on "Saturday Night Live" as the show's longest-running cast member. He also stars in and is an executive producer on the NBC comedy "Kenan," which is scheduled to return for its second season in 2022.

Thompson received two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "Kenan" and for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for "Saturday Night Live." He was also nominated for Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2020.

Voting is open for 40 categories in the "People's Choice Awards" for music, movies, television, and pop culture through Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Fans can vote online at www.votepca.com or on Twitter.

To see the full list of all nominees, visit https://www.eonline.com/news/1305316/2021-peoples-choice-awards-complete-list- of-nominee.

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