Stanley Tucci OUT, Oliver Platt IN to Host JBFAs

The James Beard Foundation has announced changes to this year's awards ceremony: The event will not be hosted by Stanley Tucci, as previously announced. Instead, actor Oliver Platt is now on board to host. According to today's press release, Tucci had to back out for "a work commitment," but "is pleased to have his old pal" take his place. Aside from his acting roles, Platt was a producer on Big Night and volunteers with Food Bank for New York City. The James Beard Foundation Awards will take place on May 6th in New York City, and the theme is still "Lights! Camera! Taste! Spotlight on Food & Film". Check out the nominees here, and the press release below:

OLIVER PLATT NOW HOSTING 2013 JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS ON MAY 6, 2013

New York, NY (April 25, 2013) – The James Beard Foundation announced today that popular American actor Oliver Platt will host the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation's most prestigious recognition program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries, on May 6, 2013 at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. The theme Lights! Camera! Taste! Spotlight on Food & Film pays tribute to the role that food has played on the silver screen in America.

An award-winning television, movie, and Broadway actor, Platt currently stars in the Showtime original series The Big C. He has appeared in numerous films, including Please Give, Bulworth, Love & Other Drugs, and Funny Bones; TV shows such as West Wing and Bored to Death; and Broadway productions including Shining City and Guys & Dolls. Platt has a deep-seeded passion for food and America's culinary scene. He served as associate producer for the iconic foodie film Big Night, a compelling story about an Italian restaurant run by two brothers. Platt also volunteers for the Food Bank for New York City.

"We are delighted to have Oliver Platt join this year's James Beard Awards, especially as we celebrate iconic food and film moments," said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. "Due to a work commitment, our long-time supporter Stanley Tucci is no longer able to host this year's festivities and is pleased to have his old pal step in."

On Friday, May 3, 2013, the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards Dinner, an exclusive event honoring the nation's top cookbook authors, culinary broadcast producers and hosts, and food journalists, will take place at Gotham Hall in New York City.

On Monday, May 6, 2013, the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. During the ceremony, which is open to the public, awards for the Restaurant and Chef and Restaurant Design categories will be handed out, along with special achievement awards including Humanitarian of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Who's Who, and the America's Classics. A gala reception will immediately follow, featuring top culinary talents from across the country, who will serve dishes inspired by their favorite food scenes.

· All James Beard Awards Coverage on Eater [-E-]