Jonathan Ross returning to the BBC

Jonathan Ross is to return to the BBC less than three months after his high-profile departure, to host a movie awards show, it was announced today.

The star, whose contract with the corporation ended in July, spelling the end for his BBC1 chat show and Radio 2 series, will host the BBC4 World Cinema Awards in October.

He had talked of taking a year's sabbatical before hosting a chat show for ITV1 from late next year.

Ross has previously hosted the event, which celebrated international film-making and is now in its seventh year.

The shortlist for the awards was also announced today and includes the animated memoir about the 1982 Lebanon War, Waltz With Bashir. Nominees are drawn up by UK film writers.

Other nominees are:

* Let The Right One In

* I Am Love

* A Prophet

* The White Ribbon.

Richard Klein, controller of BBC4, said: "As the home of arts and culture, BBC Four is committed to world cinema. It's really important to encourage the viewing of such important stories from the world around us - this year's shortlist is further proof of an exceptional year for international film."

The awards take place at the BFI Southbank in London on October 7 and will be screened on October 9.