2008 NZ Comedy Guild Awards - Nominees Announced

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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.

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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

ENDS

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