William Shatner at the Scream Awards in Los Angeles in 2009.The Associated Press
William Shatner says he's excited to be hosting the Genie Awards, which he regards as Canada's version of the Oscars.
But he admits to being a bit unsure about taking the reins of the televised gala, noting that the widely panned Academy Awards show was largely blamed on lacklustre MCs Anne Hathaway and James Franco.
Shatner says from Los Angeles that he'll do his best with the Genies and jokes: "They tried the very young. Now they're trying the very old."
The 79-year-old film and TV star heads to Ottawa Wednesday to begin preparations for tomorrow's Genie Awards, which will honour the best in Canadian film.
The leading nominees include the sprawling romantic dramedy Barney's Version and the wrenching war saga Incendies.
The Genie Awards air on CBC-TV at 8 p.m. across the country, and at 8:30 p.m. in Newfoundland.
Shatner said he's keen to put on an entertaining show.
"Ever since they offered me the job I've been going around saying, 'What's the secret (to hosting)?' and nobody will tell me," the actor said earlier this week by phone.
"I think the secret first of all is good material. Then, as for the delivery, you're stuck with yourself. But I've been in front of audiences for a long time, with varying levels of success. Never, to my mind, (have I been) an abject failure."
The Montreal-born actor says he's not above resorting to a well-worn tactic in order to engage the studio audience at the National Arts Centre.
"I'll be scanning the audience and waving, 'Hello,' the way (people) do - (I'll) point and wave," deadpans Shatner, whose lengthy career spans more than six decades on stage, film and TV.
Celebrities slated to appear at the bash include actors Gordon Pinsent, Jay Baruchel and Bruce Greenwood.
Shatner said he's not familiar with the night's two biggest films, but he had high praise for Canadian fare in general.
"Canadian films have really advanced in excellence over the years. I truly am proud to be the host of Thursday night's show. It keeps me in touch with Canada."