Joel McHale Set to Host White House Correspondents' Centennial Dinner aka 'Nerd Prom'

Joel McHale, star of NBC's Community, is set to host Saturday's White House Correspondents' dinner where he'll skewer the audience with President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in attendance.

The event takes place at the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave.

The annual event, dubbed "Nerd Prom" prompted a joke from McHale Tuesday in a tweet to C-SPAN: "I was told there would be no nerds. I'm out." C-SPAN will begin its live coverage at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"We’re thrilled that Joel will headline the dinner when we celebrate our centennial," said WHCA President Steven Thomma in a news release. "He's sharp, funny, and just the type of comic who can navigate the unique challenge of our dinner, making fun of Democrats, Republicans and especially the news media. Washington can use a little good-natured ribbing."

In addition to starring on Community, McHale also satirizes pop culture and current events as the host of E!’s The Soup. He’s appeared in movies as well, and recently finished work on the forthcoming thriller Deliver Us From Evil produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Some of the famous guests invited by reporters include Lupita Nyong'o, Robin Wright, Joe Manganiello, Armie Hammer and Lindsey Vonn.

Founded in 1914 to represent the White House press corps, the association marks its centennial this year. It works to maintain independent news media coverage of the president, advocating for access, handling logistics for pools of reporters who stay close to the president and those who travel with him, and providing scholarships to journalism students. 

The annual dinner is traditionally attended by the President and First Lady as well as many other senior government officials and members of the press corps. Proceeds from the dinner go toward scholarships for aspiring journalists and awards recognizing excellence in the profession. 

Past hosts have included Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Jay Leno and Stephen Colbert.