NEW YORK —  For a "character actor," Paul Giamatti (search) is certainly getting a lot of front-man gigs. The "Sideways" star will host NBC's "Saturday Night Live" (search)on Jan. 22.

It will be the actor's "SNL" debut, with Ludacris (search)to appear as the musical guest.

Up for a Golden Globe this Sunday night, Giamatti already received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for best actor earlier this week.

Previously known more for smaller roles such as Howard Stern's boss in "Private Parts" (search), his portrayal of a wine-obsessed writer in "Sideways" is Giamatti's second well-regarded lead performance in two years, following 2003's "American Splendor."