WASHINGTON — Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld saluted fellow funny man Bill Cosby last night with the nation's top humor prize at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, along with two co-stars from "The Cosby Show," Phylicia Rashad and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

Tribute performances ranged from standup to orchestra and jazz as Cosby received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Carl Reiner, Sinbad and Wynton Marsalis were slated to perform, as well as Willie Nelson.

GERVAIS TO BE FIRST GLOBES HOST SINCE '95

LOS ANGELES — British comedian Ricky Gervais has been picked as host of the Jan. 17 Golden Globes, the first time in more than a decade that the Hollywood awards show has used an emcee.

A more freewheeling affair than the Academy Awards and other Hollywood honors, the Globes are known as a place where stars can cut loose over dinner and drinks. Gervais said it was a good environment to give him free rein as host.

The Globes have gone without a host since 1995, when John Larroquette and Janine Turner teamed up for the job.

TAYLOR RAVES OVER JACKSON DOCUMENTARY

LOS ANGELES — Elizabeth Taylor says the new Michael Jackson documentary is "the single most brilliant piece of filmmaking" she has ever seen.

Based on rehearsal footage shot while Jackson was preparing for his series of comeback concerts, the movie "cements forever Michael's genius in every aspect of creativity," Taylor says. She urged her fans to see it "again and again."

Jackson died in June at age 50, just before he was to begin a 50-concert run in London.

"Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens worldwide today.

JAY-Z, KEYS TO OPEN WORLD SERIES

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have been blasting Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" during their playoff run. Now, the team is having the rap king perform the song live to kick off Game 1 of the World Series.

Jay-Z and fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys are scheduled to perform the hit tomorrow, as the Yankees take on defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.

BROWN'S 'GRAFFITI' WILL DROP DEC. 15

NEW YORK — Chris Brown has announced the release of his first CD since his February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna.

"Graffiti," the singer's third album, will be released Dec. 15, he said via Twitter.

The CD's first single, "I Can Transform Ya," features Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz.

The 20-year-old will also kick off his "Fan Appreciation" tour in Houston on Nov. 14.