Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes

If you've watched an awards show in recent years that Ricky Gervais has been part of and come away saying, "He should host that next time," your wish is about to be granted.

Gervais will serve as host for the 67th annual Golden Globes in January, NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Monday (Oct. 26). The awards are scheduled for Jan. 17.

"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free rein as a host," Gervais says. "I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down."

The creator and star of "The Office" and "Extras" won a Golden Globe for "The Office" in 2004 and was nominated for "Extras" in 2008 (he's also won an Emmy for "Extras" and as a producer of the American version of "The Office"). He also co-wrote and co-directed (with Matthew Robinson) and stars in the feature film "The Invention of Lying," which debuted in theaters earlier this month.

The Golden Globes have been host-free since 1995. Gervais will be the emcee for a telecast that will air live across the country starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 PT.

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