Press Release:
Television Event To Honor The Best In Comedy Tapes At New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom
On Saturday, April 28 And Premieres On COMEDY CENTRAL On Sunday, May 6
Nominees Chosen By Prestigious Board of Directors
Beginning Today, Fans Can Vote For "Breakout Performer of the Year" At www.thecomedyawards.com
NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 – Nominations for the second annual "The Comedy Awards were announced today with "Modern Family," "Bridesmaids," "30 Rock," "Crazy, Stupid, Love." and Louis C.K. leading the way with the most nominations. The annual event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy will be taped at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28 and will premiere on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
The nominees for the second annual event reflect an extensive range of comedic talent in film, television, stand-up and animation. "Modern Family," recipient of the "Comedy Series" award during last year's inaugural show, is once again nominated in the "Comedy Series" category, one of its five total nominations. Other nominees for "Comedy Series" include "30 Rock" (five total nominations), "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (four total nominations), "Parks and Recreation" (three total nominations) and "Happy Endings."
Leading the way in the "Comedy Film" category are "Bridesmaids" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love." with five total nominations each. Rounding out the "Comedy Film" nominees are "Midnight in Paris" and "Horrible Bosses" (four total nominations each) and the Academy Award-winning "The Artist," which received three total nominations. The recipients for the "Johnny Carson Award," the "Comedy Icon Award" and The Comedy Awards Digital / Best Viral Original nominees will be announced in the coming weeks. A full list of nominations for The Comedy Awards 2012 can be found at the end of this release.
Reactions from The Comedy Awards nominees include:
"I want to thank everyone connected to the award and I want '30 Rock' to win." – Alec Baldwin, nominated for "Performance by an Actor – TV"
"Does this mean I have to go?" – Larry David, nominated for "Performance by an Actor – TV"
"I'm hyped because I can finally wear my tuxedo." – Kevin Hart, nominated for "Stand-up Tour"
Nominees were selected by the "The Comedy Awards" Board of Directors, which include such luminaries as: Carol Burnett, James Burrows, Greg Cavic, Stephen Colbert, James Dixon, Budd Friedman, Jim Gosnell, Rick Greenstein, Brad Grey, Caroline Hirsch, Sharon Jackson, Blair Kohan, Martin Lesak, Steve Levine, Jamie Masada, Adam McKay, Jimmy Miller, Conan O'Brien, Peter Principato, Joan Rivers, Jay Roach, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Rory Rosegarten, Michael Rotenberg, George Schlatter, Mitzi Shore, David Steinberg, Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin, Sandy Wernick and Geof Wills.
Winners will be chosen by The Comedy Awards Voting Body, comprised of professionals from the comedy community including writers, producers, performers, directors and stand-ups. And starting today, fans can vote for their pick for "Breakout Performer of the Year" at www.thecomedyawards.com.
"The Comedy Awards" will air on COMEDY CENTRAL as well as COMEDY CENTRAL's international channels across Europe, New Zealand, India and Israel. Click here to view a highlight reel from last year's show. Follow "The Comedy Awards" on Twitter @thecomedyawards.
Last year, "The Comedy Awards" first annual show honored the biggest names in comedy with appearances by Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Ty Burrell, Tracy Morgan and Andy Samberg, among others. David Letterman was awarded "The Comedy Awards" most prestigious honor, the "Johnny Carson Award" and Eddie Murphy received the "Comedy Icon Award" for his extraordinary contribution to the world of comedy.
"The Comedy Awards" has once again joined forces with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to endow The American Comedy Fund. Without a union or other protection, many comedians face unique challenges to succeed and survive. The fund provides much-needed financial assistance, health benefits and other resources for comedians across the country during times of need, crisis or transition. The American Comedy Fund is administered by EIF in collaboration with the Motion Picture & Television Fund and The Actors Fund.
Don Mischer, Casey Patterson, EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group and Charlie Haykel are the Executive Producers. Juliane Hare is Producer. Beth McCarthy Miller, the Peabody and DGA Award-Winning and Emmy®-nominated Director, will once again direct "The Comedy Awards."
