November 24, 2008

2008 NZ COMEDY GUILD AWARDS – Nominees Announced

The nominees for the 2008 NZ Comedy Guild Awards have been announced and provide further proof, if any was required, of how far and fast our local comedy scene is developing. From television to live work, domestic to international success, new faces to established professionals, the "Class of 2008" represent the full diversity of comedy in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards are peer-voted, providing a genuine acknowledgement of the   achievements of local comedians, as judged by those closest to them.

Locally based live acts lead the individual nomination tallies, with Jamie Bowen nominated for six awards, 2008 Billy T Award Winner Steve Wrigley, Andre King and Michele A’Court for four apiece and Jeremy Elwood with three.

The increased presence of local comedians on television has also reaped rewards, with contributions to Jono’s New Show (C4), 1000 Apologies (TV3), and TVNZ’s The Pretender, Off The Radar and Homegrown all being recognized.

In perhaps the most significant sign of the times for local product, the "Kevin Smith Memorial Cup for Artistic Achievement", long dominated by international stars Flight Of The Conchords and Rhys Darby has this year split evenly between nominees who have achieved overseas, and those who are breaking barriers here at home. Rhys Darby returns, to join Ben Hurley (currently touring the UK as support to Irish star Ed Byrne) up against the local achievements of Te Radar and Cori Gonzales-Macuer.

There are plenty of less familiar names in amongst the nominees, with up and comers from around the country showing that the future of NZ Comedy is in safe hands. We’re also proud to see the "Best Venue" award recognising newer venues The Cook (Hamilton), Revolver (Queenstown) and The Classic Studio (Auckland) alongside the more established Classic (Auckland) and San Fransisco Bathhouse (Wellington). 

The Awards will be presented at a star studded special function on Dec 7th, at The Classic Comedy Club, 321 Queen St Auckland, to be hosted by 2007 "Best MC" winner Jeremy Elwood. (Tickets: (09) 373 4321)

The NZ Comedy Guild would like to sincerely thank the sponsors of the 2008 awards (thus far); Heritage Hotels, Jansen, Phantom Billstickers, bFM, Concrete Creative, The Classic and Revolver.

FULL LIST OF 2008 NZ Comedy Guild Award NOMINEES

Best Newcomer
Steven Boyce
Urzila Carlson
Jarred Fell

Danny McChrystal

Concrete Creative Best Show Concept
The Clean Comedy Show – Dave Wiggins
Lucky Golden Whales – Hiroshi Nakatsuji
Shooting Ducks – Jamie Bowen

Best Show
The First Time – Steve Wrigley
The Lady Bunch – Michele A’Court, Justine Smith, Irene Pink

Best Comedy Venue
The Classic, Auckland
The Classic Studio, Auckland

San Francisco Bathhouse, Wellington
Revolver, Queenstown
The Cook, Hamilton

Best Media Support
Craccum
Radio New Zealand National
TV3
C4
The Rock
The New Zealand Herald

Best International Guest
The Umbilical Brothers
Josie Long
Janey Godley
Mickey D
Jason Cook

Best Industry Friend
Heidi O’Loughlin
Scott Blanks (Comedy.co.nz)
Richard Carrington (Notorious Management)
Andre King (Comic Bookings)

Best Comedy Performance on NZ Television
Cori Gonzales-Macuer, Jono’s New Show, C4
Andre King, The Pretender, TVNZ
Jamie Bowen, 1000 Apologies, TV3
Josh Thompson, Jono’s New Show, C4

Most Improved Comedian
FIGJAM
Chris Brain
Jim Brown
Steve Wrigley

The Andrew Kovacevich Memorial Cup
Brendhan Lovegrove
Urzila Carlson
Rueben Lee
Michele A’Court
Mark Scott
Ed Carruthers
Rhys Matthewson
Jamie Bowen

bFM Gag Of The Year
Chris Brain
Jeremy Elwood
Rueben Lee
Jim Brown
Noor Razzaq
Andre King
Terry Williams

Best MC
Michele A’Court
Jeremy Elwood
Steve Wrigley
Jamie Bowen
Andre King

Best Male Comedian
Jeremy Elwood
Brendhan Lovegrove
Simon McKinney
Steve Wrigley
Jamie Bowen
Mike Loder

Best Female Comedian
Michele A’Court
Irene Pink
Justine Smith
Jan Maree

The Kevin Smith Memorial Cup for Artistic Achievement
Rhys Darby, international DVD release of "Imagine That".
Ben Hurley, tour support for Ed Byrne, UK.
Te Radar, Homegrown and Off The Radar
Cori Gonzales-Macuer, Jono’s New Show

The Green Roomer Award
Heidi O’Loughlin
Vaughan King
Jamie Bowen
Simon McKinney