Wilmer Valderrama

Valderrama Hosts G4's
Video Game Awards

“That ‘70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama will host the third annual “G-Phoria” – the Mother of all Videogame Award Shows. The Black Eyed Peas and electro-rock The Bravery will perform full sets. A musical performance by G-Unit’s Tony Yayo will also be featured. “G-Phoria” is the nation’s original videogame award show that celebrates the year’s top games, stars, music and trends that define the videogame lifestyle. Presented by EB Games, Jeep and Mountain Dew, “G-Phoria” will take place on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 7 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Center Studios and will air Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on G4.

More than 1,000 celebrity and VIP guests are expected to attend “G-Phoria” where they will play the year’s hottest videogames and celebrate winners in categories ranging from “Favorite Character” to “Best Voice Performance.” More than 25 new videogame titles will be playable to the public for the first time at the event, including a variety of games from Microsoft’s next-generation console, Xbox 360™, launching this holiday season.

“G-Phoria” 2005 is being produced by Robb Wagner in conjunction with Dempsey Productions, Inc. A television veteran, this marks Wagner’s third consecutive year producing “G-Phoria.” Wagner’s recent creative credits include the “77th Annual Academy Awards,” “2004 MTV Video Music Awards” and “VH1 Big in ’03.”

Best known for his role as ‘Fez’ on the hit Fox series “That 70’s Show,” Valderrama is also active in feature film work and theater. He recently wrapped production on his starring role in the indie film “El Muerto,” directed by Brian Cox and based on the successful comic book created by Javier Hernandez. Wilmer also has a supporting role in “The Darwin Awards,” an independent film directed by Finn Taylor, starring Winona Ryder and Joseph Fiennes. Other feature film credits include “Party Monster,” and the Warner Bros. film, “Summer Catch.” In addition to acting, Wilmer is producing and hosting a new reality show for MTV called “Yo Mama’s So Fat.”

Grammy Award winners The Black Eyed Peas, who recently released their much anticipated fourth album “Monkey Business,” have been garnering worldwide attention with their unique hip-hop sound since 1998. It was their third album, “Elephunk” and the addition of band member Fergie in 2003 that vaulted the band to a level of success unparalleled by any other hip-hop group. Now, with over 7.5 million albums sold, four Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award, The Black Eyed Peas bring their magnetic spirit to the 2005 “G-Phoria” audience.

New York-based electro rock group The Bravery, named “10 Artists to Watch” by Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine’s “Next Big Things” for 2005, bring their synthesizer- laced rock music to “G-Phoria.” The Bravery, who have been generating buzz with their hit single “Honest Mistake,” recently released their acclaimed debut self-titled album in March, have been selling out shows and winning over hipsters and critics alike with their brand of melodic post-punk influenced dance-rock.

Nominees for “G-Phoria” are chosen by a panel of videogame industry experts. All eligible games have release dates that fall between March 31, 2004 and April 30, 2005. Fans will choose the “G-Phoria” winners by voting both online as well as by text message. To vote online and to see a complete list of all 2005 “G-Phoria” nominees, go to www.g4tv.com/g-phoria.

“G-Phoria” – The Mother of All Videogame Award Shows premieres Tuesday, August 9 at 8:00 PM ET/PT, with the pre-show broadcast starting at 7:30 PM ET/PT.

About G4

G4 – videogame tv – is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all things videogames. G4 airs all-original programming that covers every aspect of the videogame culture. Shows feature breaking industry news, reviews, the hottest games, gear and technology, celebrity interviews, insider opinions and the underground trends that feed the videogame generation. Launched in April 2002, G4 is available in 52 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and is owned by Comcast Corporation. To learn more, log onto www.g4tv.com. “G-Phoria” is a registered trademark of G4.