Los Angeles  - Comedian Andy Samberg has been chosen to host the annual MTV Movie Awards in May, the cable television network said Monday.

Saturday Night Live cast member Samberg said he was "super excited" to be hosting the awards on Sunday, May 31.

"I grew up watching the show, and a lot of past hosts are heroes of mine," said Samberg, 30.

The MTV movie awards are becoming increasingly important in the film industry, as they are more focused on coveted younger viewers than more prestigious prizes like the Oscars.

Last year's best movie was Transformers, while Will Smith was named best actor for action adventure I Am Legend and Ellen Page won best actress for playing a pregnant teenager in Juno. (dpa)