Most importantly, hes looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate his own union membership.
The night will also feature appearances by Gillian Anderson, Bryan Cranston, Bill Pullman and Naomi Watts.
DEADLINE:Theres a lot of attention on award show hosts as of late.
Joel Kim BoosterPhoto by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
What made you want to step into that arena?
JOEL KIM BOOSTER:I am a classically trained gay guy, so I love award shows.
I watch all of them during award season, including all the Guild Awards.
So it was a really exciting opportunity.
But I also think, theres something really nice about it being the WGA.
Its like hosting a family party, almost.
DEADLINE:Youve said before that being a WGA member is one of your proudest accomplishments.
BOOSTER:For me, its kind of twofold.
The other thing is that Im labor to my bones.
I am so proud to be a part of a union.
I think its so important.
Why do you think thats important?
When we talk about representational politics, class is often left out of that.
Whats your trajectory been like to get to that point?
You just have to push through, and when the opportunity arises, be prepared for it.
When I met with him, he asked me, Do you have a writing sample?
Do you have XYZ?
And I was able to tell him, Yes, I am prepared.
Put me in coach.
I think thats just the most important aspect of trying to break into this industry.
DEADLINE:Lets talk about the show.
How are you approaching your monologue?
BOOSTER:So Im working with my close friend and award show savant Louis Virtel to write this monologue.
Its a really difficult time for our industry.
We want it to feel celebratory.
Both have backfired in different ways.
So you just have to have the right balance.
I think where other awards show hosts have failed is mismanaging that balance.
BOOSTER:I think, obviously, laughter is a huge part of it.
I still remember Chelsea Perettis opening joke from her monologue when she hosted several years ago.
Thats what I want.
I want people to remember my opening joke.
I want it to be as good as Chelseas.
So maybe itll be you again in five years.
BOOSTER:I would welcome it.
That is certainly a best case scenario for me.
DEADLINE:As you mentioned, writers have had a really tough few years.
What are your hopes for this year and beyond to get things back on the right track?
A lot of our talent is being wasted right now on existing IP franchises and reboots.
That, to me, is such an exciting way to do it.
If were being forced to work with an existing IP, thats the way you should do it.
