US actor Denzel Washington to host Nobel Peace concert

Sep 30, 2010, 15:26 GMT

Oslo - US actor Denzel Washington has been selected to host the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, organizers said Thursday.

The December 11 concert is held the day after the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Acts this year include British pop band Florence + the Machine, US pianist Herbie Hancock and California-born singer- songwriter Colbie Caillat.

Organizers said more acts were to be announced later.

Washington, a two-time Academy Award winner, said in a statement that he was 'honoured' and looked forward to take part in 'this historic and momentous event to help spread the message of global peace.'

Speculation is in full swing as to the likely winner of the peace prize. The five-member Nobel Committee's choice is due to be announced October 8.

This year the committee received a record 237 nominations.

The 2009 winner was US President Barack Obama, who was cited for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.

The Nobel Peace Prize was endowed by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite. The prize is always presented on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896.