Samuel L. Jackson will host the 17th annual ESPYs later this year.

Fans will determine the winners in all categories by voting online at www.espys.tv starting June 25 through July 11.

The 2009 ESPY Awards, celebrating 2009’s best sports stories, will be taped at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles Wednesday, July 15 and will air Sunday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN HD.

The Spirit, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, and Eva Mendes, opens in theaters Christmas Day.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson on Live with Regis & Kelly Video

Samuel L. Jackson gave paparazzi the verbal smackdown following a visit to Owen Wilson at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center beating in Los Angeles on Monday. Owen is currently under ‘observation’ following a confirmed suicide attempt on Sunday reportedly sparked by the comic’s breakup with married actress Kate Hudson.

Samuel L says that the press should allow Wilson to focus on his recovery.

“I came here to visit Owen Wilson, get the fuck away from me, alright,” he said to waiting photograhers, sporting haggard shorts, a t-shirt, and a fishing cap.

“Yeah, everybody’s sorry, why the fuck are you guys here?” he said.

When the cameramen said they were “there for the story”, Jackson mockingly added “what story is that?”