*Two entertainers with the middle initial "L" have been hired as hosts for high-profile events. D.L. Hughley will host the Broadcast Film Critics Association's (BFCA) "13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards" while Samuel L. Jackson will spend a third consecutive year hosting Spike TV's "Video Game Awards."

The Critics' Choice Awards, to be held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), are given out annually by the BFCA to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. The ceremony has 18 categories, including the non-traditional Best Acting Ensemble and Best Young Actor/Actress category. Nominees will be announced in a live press conference on VH1, Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 8:30 a.m. ET/ 5:30am PT.

Most recently Hughley was seen hosting the BET series "S.O.B: Socially Offensive Behavior." The comic stars in his own one-hour special for HBO entitled "Unapologetic" and will also be seen this January as the newest host of HBO's "Def Comedy Jam."

Jackson will man Spike TV's 5th annual "Video Game Awards" on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The ceremony will premiere on Spike Sunday, Dec. 9 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

This year, viewers will be privy to never-before-seen world premieres of some of the most anticipated releases to date, including Borderlands (2K), Gran Turismo(TM) 5 Prologue (Sony Computer Entertainment America), Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (Ubisoft) and TNA iMPACT! (Midway) will all be unveiled.

The night will feature award presentations and appearances by magician Criss Angel, actress Tia Carrere, former NFL star Rocket Ismail, UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Ultimate Fighter 1" champ Forrest Griffin, legendary boxing promoter Don King, MTV's Tila Tequila and more.