Rob Brydon to Host 2013 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards, 11/9

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles(R) (BAFTA Los Angeles) is pleased to announce that award winning actor and comedian Rob Brydon will host the 2013 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards presented by BBC AMERICA. In addition, BAFTA LA will honor Golden Globe(R) Award winning and Emmy nominated actor, Idris Elba, with the BAFTA LA Britannia Humanitarian Award at the 2013 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. For the second year in a row, the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards will be broadcast on BBC AMERICA, airing in primetime November 10 at 9:00pm ET and on the U.K.'s Sky Movies on November 11, as a two-hour special including footage of the Britannia Awards Red Carpet.

Brydon is an award winning actor, writer and producer including four BAFTA TV Award nominations, two British Comedy Awards, and a Royal Television Society award. Rob Brydon MBE studied at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama before joining BBC Wales as a radio and television presenter. He first came to the public's attention in 2000 with television shows "Marion and Geoff" and "Human Remains," winning British Comedy Awards for both. Since then his extensive credits have included "I'm Alan Partridge," "Little Britain," "Live at the Apollo," "Rob Brydon's Annually Retentive," "QI," "Have I Got News For You," "Rob Brydon's Identity Crisis," "Would I Lie To You?" and BAFTA award winning BBC AMERICA series "Gavin and Stacey" where he played the lead role of Stacey's Uncle Bryn. In 2009, Rob completed an eighty seven date tour of the UK with his stand up show, Rob Brydon Live, including a run in London's West End. Rob returned to the stage in the Autumn of 2011 alongside Kenneth Branagh in The Painkiller at The Lyric in Belfast. In the Autumn of 2012, Rob made his West End debut in Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated A Chorus of Disapproval directed by Sir Trevor Nunn. Rob has recently reteamed with Steve Coogan and Michael Winterbottom for the theatrical film "The Trip to Italy," a follow up to the "The Trip," which Brydon acted in and is scheduled for release in 2014.

"We're really delighted that Rob will be hosting this year's Britannia Awards. Rob has brought TV viewers wonderful performances over the years and is probably best known in the US from his roles in the hit comedies 'Marion and Geoff' and 'Gavin & Stacey'. As one of the most diverse and respected comic actors in the UK, we are thrilled Rob will bring his wonderful Brit wit to the evening," said Rebecca Segal & Deborah Kolar, Co-Chairs Britannia Awards.

The Britannia Awards are BAFTA Los Angeles' highest accolade, a celebration of achievements honoring individuals and companies that have dedicated their careers to advancing the entertainment arts. Idris Elba will receive The BAFTA LA Britannia Humanitarian Award. Idris Elba is a Golden Globe(R) award winning and Emmy nominated actor, producer, director, humanitarian and an anti-crime ambassador for the Prince's Trust. Elba constantly showcases his creative versatility both on-screen in television and film as well as behind the camera and continues to captivate audiences and secure his position as a formidable talent, with a string of acclaimed performances in high-profile films as well as multiple critically acclaimed television series. Elba's charitable work off-set is just as commendable as his acting accolades which includes his devout involvement with the Prince's Trust, Staying Alive Foundation and supporting causes related to AIDS & HIV, at-risk/disadvantage youths, children, health and education.

"Idris Elba has used his success in film and television to turn the spotlight towards a very deserving cause. His work with the Prince's Trust for disadvantaged youth is highly commendable, and in complete accord with BAFTA Los Angeles' own work in the inner city," said Gary Dartnall, Chairman, BAFTA Los Angeles.

The Britannia Humanitarian Award has previously recognized Richard Curtis, Don Cheadle and Colin Firth. Elba is being honored for his work with the UK charity The Prince's Trust, founded in 1976 by Prince Charles to help disadvantaged youth. The recipient of a grant from The Prince's Trust himself, Elba was able to attend The National Youth Music Theatre at the age of 16; something he credits with changing his life. Starting his work with the Trust as an anti-crime ambassador, Elba helped launch 'Prince's Trust Undiscovered' campaign, aiming to help young people caught in the recession.

He will join previously announced honorees Benedict Cumberbatch, who will receive the Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year; Sacha Baron Cohen, who will receive the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy; George Clooney, who will receive the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film; Kathryn Bigelow, who will receive the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing; and Sir Ben Kingsley who will receive the Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award for Worldwide Contribution to Entertainment.

The Britannia Awards are presented annually at a gala dinner, where peers and colleagues celebrate the work and accomplishments of the year's distinguished honorees. Proceeds from the gala ceremony support BAFTA Los Angeles' on-going education, scholarship, community outreach and archival projects.

Photo by Jonathan Hordle/Rex / Rex USA