For decades, comedy clubs have been the primary spotlight for young comedians, a place to hone their craft for small audiences and not leave behind any long-term proof of those nights they bomb. Shows like "Saturday Night Live," "SCTV" and "MadTV" have also played an important role in giving many comedians their first national audience, albeit one that is forgiving of the occasional bad night. In recent years, another important step on the ladder of comedian success has emerged: hosting the MTV Movie Awards.
Now, we don't like to toot our own horns. But hosting the Movie Awards has become an important showcase for up-and-coming comics eager to display good one-liners, an ability to roll with improv opportunities and an overall sense of affable anarchy. To help celebrate the news that Aziz Ansari is set to host the 2010 Awards, let's look back on some notable comedian hosts — and how their careers have fared since playing emcee for MTV.
Jimmy Fallon: He was already a household name thanks to "SNL" and movies like "Fever Pitch," but when Fallon hosted the Movie Awards in 2005 he was at a bit of a career crossroads. With "Saturday Night Live" in the rearview mirror and movies like "Taxi" not connecting, Fallon showed millions that he was a fun host while playing Anakin Skywalker in a memorable "Star Wars" sketch; three years later, Fallon landed the high-profile gig taking over Conan O'Brien's "Late Night" show on NBC.After a year on the air, we're not saying MTV is responsible for making "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" a reality, but his Movie Awards stint probably didn't hurt!
Sarah Silverman: Another "SNL" alum, Sarah's time on that show didn't go exactly as anyone would have liked. After a few years of finding her footing and building up a loyal following, Silverman roared back in 2007 with the double-threat of her "Sarah Silverman Program" and a high-profile gig as MTV Movie Awards host. Sarah promised to be funny, foul and full of spunk and certainly didn't disappoint on any of those levels. True, Paris Hilton may not be a fan, but in bashing America's most-hated heiress, Sarah hooked an army of new fans who are perpetually wondering what she'll say next.
Andy Samberg: When Andy took on hosting duties for last year's awards show, it felt like the longest, coolest viral-video clip ever made. One minute, ; another had Andy partying naked with Justin Timberlake; yet another had Ben Stiller hilariously receiving his Generation Award. Between it all, there was plenty of "Twilight" and Andy acting like the crazy brother who was ready to make fun of something as quickly as we could praise it. For the time being, Samberg's gone back to his steady "SNL" gig — and judging by how his digital shorts are always the best part of each week's show, we wouldn't want it any other way.
Don't miss the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Aziz Ansari: From ‘Human Giant’ To MTV Movie Awards HostRecharged Radio Awards in April
