William Shatner is being beamed into Ottawa to host this year’s Genie Awards.

The annual awards, honouring the best in Canadian film, will take place on March 10 in Ottawa and will air live on CBC-TV

“I’m so looking forward to coming to Canada as the host of the (Genies) and seeing a lot of my old friends,” Shatner said in a statement. “Unfortunately, most of them are dead of old age.”

Born and raised in Montreal, Shatner is one of the most recognizable stars on the planet thanks to TV series such as Star Trek, T.J. Hooker, and Boston Legal, as well as films such as the Star Trek series and Miss Congeniality. He currently headlines the CBS sitcom $#*! My Dad Says.

“We can’t wait for William Shatner to bring his talent and charm to this year’s event,” CBC executive vice-president, Kirstine Stewart, said in a statement. “With an incredible collection of talented nominees, the biggest stars from the silver screen, special musical performances and the legendary William Shatner as host, the Genie Awards are going to be a night of celebration that Canadians nationwide won’t want to miss.”

Barney’s Version’s Rachelle Lefevre will also lend her talents to the evening, acting as the voice of the Genie Awards. She also stars in the new medical-drama Off the Map.

With the Oscar-nominated Incendies and acclaimed Barney’s Version battling it out for the top awards, and Shatner’s added star power, the Genies is poised for a high-profile year.

“William Shatner is a beloved icon and a proud Canadian. We are absolutely thrilled that Mr. Shatner will be joining us at the Genie Awards to honour our country’s talent and to celebrate a phenomenal year in Canadian film,” Sara Morton, CEO of Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, said in a statement.

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