Comedian and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Andy Samberg has been tapped to host the upcoming MTV Movie Awards in May, the cable television network said on Monday.

Samberg is the latest in a long line of "SNL" performers, including Mike Myers and Jimmy Fallon, to host the irreverent awards shows that gives out honors in categories such as best fight or best kiss.

The 30 year-old comedian is known for his music video collaborations with the likes of Justin Timberlake and his video shorts such as "Lazy Sunday," about two New York rappers on a journey to see a movie.

He recently released the comedy album "Incredibad," along with members of his Lonely Island comedy troupe.

In a statement, Samberg said he was "super excited" to be hosting the awards that will be given on Sunday, May 31.

"I grew up watching the show and a lot of past hosts are heroes of mine," Samberg said.

Unlike the Oscars that seek to award the best performances, and movies of the year among mostly adult-oriented dramas, the MTV honors serve as a sort of comic send-up of the movies and are aimed squarely at younger audiences with a view toward action, adventure and comedy.

Winners, for instance, receive a golden bucket of popcorn, and last year's best movie was action flick "Transformers."

Will Smith was named best actor for action adventure "I Am Legend," and Ellen Page playing a pregnant teenager in "Juno" won best actress.

(China Daily/Agencies, March 17, 2009)