Paul Giamatti tapped to host ‘SNL’

For a “character actor,” Paul Giamatti is certainly getting a lot of front-man gigs.

The “Sideways” star will host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on Jan. 22. It will be the actor’s “SNL” debut, with Ludacris to appear as the musical guest.

Up for a Golden Globe this Sunday night, Giamatti already received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for best actor.

Previously known more for smaller roles such as Howard Stern’s boss in “Private Parts,” Giamatti’s portrayal of a wine-obsessed writer in “Sideways’ is his second well-regarded lead performance in two years, following 2003’s “American Splendor.”