Winners Have the Last Laugh!

Winners Have the Last Laugh!

Rose Matafeo and Jarred Christmas have capped off an incredible 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival by picking up the country’s most prestigious comedy awards; the Billy T Award and The FRED Award at last night’s Last Laughs hosted by the bro-mantic duo of Ben Hurley and Steve Wrigley.
 
Judging was incredibly tough as all five nominees had presented brilliant and creative shows however it was Rose Matafeo who got to don the iconic Yellow Towel, joining the “who’s who” of New Zealand’s comedy crop.
 
Matafeo also received a $3500 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a spot on TV3’s 7 Days, Huffer clothing and an advertising campaign on The Rock FM.
 
The five nominees for the 2013 Billy T Award were; Eli Matthewson, Joseph Moore, Pax, Tom Furniss and Rose Matafeo. Selected on their proven comedic ability; talent; dedication; current form and potential, the nominees were judged on all aspects of their 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival show.
 
Created in 1997 by the New Zealand Comedy Trust, The Billy T Award is in honour of one of NZ’s greatest comedians, the late Billy T James. The award not only recognises outstanding potential but helps foster and encourage New Zealand comedic talent.
 
Scissor kicking all the way to The FRED Award was none other than London based kiwi comic Jarred Christmas, who received the renowned golden gumboot and a $10,000 prize package including; a cash grant of $2500 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust  and advertising campaigns with More FM and The Dominion Post.
 
Named in honour of ex-pat comedy icon John Clarke’s legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The FRED Award was introduced in 2006's and recognises the Festival's best show in by a New Zealand comedian. 
 
Other 2013 nominees for The FRED Award were Nick Rado and James Nokise - who have both enjoyed accolade from critics and audiences alike.
 
Meanwhile, giving power to the people has resulted in Urzila Carlson being crowned the inaugural TV3 People’s Choice Award winner, after sell-out seasons in Wellington and Auckland.  With thousands of votes cast from across the nation, the TV3 People’s Choice Award sought to celebrate the greatest in local laughs while recognising New Zealand’s incredible comedy talent.  Carlson also receives an all-expenses paid trip for two to the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
 
Other winners from last night’s award ceremony include:

Best Newcomer (Auckland) – Tim Batt

Best Newcomer (Wellington) – Sam Smith

Spirit of the Festival (Auckland) – Stuart Goldsmith

Spirit of the Festival (Wellington) – Ben Caldwell

Creative Marketing Award – Tim Batt

Best International Show – Tom Binns as Ian D Montfort

ENDS

© Scoop Media