Double Oscar winner Kevin Spacey is returning to Abu Dhabi to host the Laureus World Sports Awards on February 7.
The celebrated American actor hosted the award last year in the capital. The Laureus World Sports Awards recognise international sporting achievement and last year's winners included the sprinter Usain Bolt, a world record holder and Olympic gold medalist, as well as the renowned tennis player Serena Williams and Formula One driver Jenson Button.
Spacey, who won his first Oscar in 1995 for his performance in The Usual Suspects, said he was "delighted" at the prospect of coming back to Abu Dhabi.
The actor also said there was a "very natural bond between sportsmen and actors".
"We all have to go out in front of an audience and produce our best," he said.
"The pressures and the hours of training or rehearsal are the same, so it was a great pleasure for me to be part of such a unique ceremony, which honoured the great sports achievers of the year.
"I am very much looking forward to leading the applause for this year's Laureus winners."
A jury of 46 renowned sportsmen and women, under the Laureus World Sports Academy, decide who will be the winners of the prestigious awards.
The winners will be unveiled at a globally televised award ceremony staged at the Emirates Palace hotel.
Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards benefit the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports almost 80 community sports projects around the world.
