Actress Elizabeth Banks, she of the remarkably comfortable-with-any-gag sense of humor (see “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” “Modern Family,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”), will undoubtedly bring the yucks as host of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Science and Technical Awards. Ms. Banks will present 15 awards to 45 recipients at the event, which takes place at the Beverly Wilshire on Feb. 20.

Among the winners: Industrial Light and Magic’s Imocap on-set performance capture system, used in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” and the ARRISCAN film scanner for use in the intermediate digital process.

From LA Times

Elizabeth Banks continues to exhibit impeccable taste when it comes to the company she keeps on the tube.

Fresh off her memorable guest turn on ABC’s Modern Family, my former Scrubs co-star is headed to 30 Rock to play the latest notch on Jack Donaghy’s belt, sources confirm to me exclusively.

NBC declined to comment, but I’m told Banks will appear in at least four episodes.

This marks the second high-profile romance for Alec Baldwin’s corporate shill this season. This week, Julianne Moore kicks off a multi-episode arc as Jack’s high school crush.

But back to Banks, would someone please explain to me why she doesn’t have her own show yet? It’s only a matter of time, right?

From the Ausiello Files

Elizabeth is going to be a guest on “The Jay Leno Show” this week! Her episode will be airing on Friday, November 6th on the NBC network at 10pm! Make sure you set your DVR’s and recorders!

Elizabeth’s episode of “Modern Family” will be airing on Wednesday, November 18th on the ABC Network! Check out the synopsis of the episode below…

“MODERN FAMILY” — “Great Expectations” – With a history of giving bad gifts, Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Oscar-nominated Edward Norton)! However, it turns out to be unexpected in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl bestie, Sal (Elizabeth Banks), for a long overdue night out on the town, on “Modern Family,” WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Elizabeth makes a cameo in the new movie “Funny People”, which opens tomorrow (July 31st) in theaters nationwide! Metro Weekly reports:

Not surprisingly, Apatow does incorporate real Hollywood into the story in fun ways. Elizabeth Banks and Justin Long, while not in the film’s actual narrative, co-star with George in his various movies and a bevy of comedians make cameos – though some aren’t as recognizable as they may hope. And Sarah Silverman has a wonderful moment stealing the scene as only she can. But ultimately it’s clear that George is not the fictional version of Sandler and more is going to be required of him.

Elizabeth has been named one of the “25 Funniest Women in Hollywood” by “Entertainment Weekly” magazine – which is featured in the most recent issue.

ELIZABETH BANKS

AGE: 35

CATCH HER IN: Role Models, W., Zack and Miri Make a Porno

SCHTICK: Go-for-broke chutzpah; Seemingly limitless range; highly contagious laugh.

Elizabeth is going to be a guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Friday, January 30th to promote “The Uninvited”! Make sure you check it out – the show airs on the NBC network right after your local night time news (about 11:30 pm).