"Patrick Stewart, the first actor to host the Peabody Awards Presentation Luncheon, brings a career that perfectly illustrates the breadth of the Peabody Award," said Horace Newcomb, director of the Peabody Awards at the University of Georgia, in a statement.
The Peabody recognizes excellence in journalism and news, documentary and public service, and in all forms of entertainment in electronic media. Winners of the Peabody Awards for original broadcast, cablecast and webcast programs presented in 2011 will be announced via webcast April 4 from the University of Georgia.
The 16-member Peabody Board is a distinguished panel of television critics, industry practitioners and experts in culture and the arts.
Stewart was nominated for a Tony Award in 2008 for his performance in the title role in Macbeth. He has also been seen on Broadway in A Life in the Theatre, The Caretaker, A Christmas Carol, The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He has also been seen in the "X-Men" films and "Star Trek: The Next Generation," among others.
For more information, visit www.peabody.uga.edu.