Will Smith to host Children’s Award Show

The actor, singer and producer is to front Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards 2012. The event will take place at the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, California.

The actor, singer and producer is to front Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards 2012. The event will take place at the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, California.

“Will Smith is one of the world’s biggest stars and is instantly recognisable with kids and parents alike around the globe” said Tina McCann, Managing Director for Nickelodeon UK. “A mega blimp winner, Will is sure to be the life and soul of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 party. ”

Two-time Academy-Award® nominee Smith recently finished filming Columbia Pictures’ Men in Black III, which will be released this spring in the UK. Up next, he will begin filming and producing One Thousand A.E. co-starring Jaden Smith.

“The Kids’ Choice Awards is always the year’s liveliest, slimiest and most outrageous party for kids and teens,” said Will Smith. “I’m honoured they wanted me to host this year so I can have a front row seat to take part in the fun.”

Smith’s list of blockbusters includes the most recent I Am Legend and Hancock. He entertained a youth audience across the early 1990s with sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bellair.

The premiere of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2011, hosted by actor and comedian Jack Black, was the highest rated Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards ever. The 2011 UK premiere received an 8.2% share, up +325% on the slot average, making Nickelodeon the #1 kids’ channel during the time slot. The performance was up +32% on the previous year, with nearly half a million viewers tuning into the show during its premiere slot.

The 2012 awards will air on Sunday April 1st. Nickelodeon is available on Sky 604, Virgin 712, through BT Vision and TalkTalk.