STAGE TIME magazine recognizes the top stand-up comedy performers of the year in film, television and live shows in New York City.
Comedian of the Year:
Chris Rock
Funnyman Chris Rock made history on his No Apologies tour with record-breaking sold-out shows in the UK, Australia and South Africa, establishing himself an international star.
Best TV Show (featuring stand-up comedians):
Down and Dirty with Jim Norton, HBO
HBO favorite Jim Norton hosts a new show that features performances from some of the funniest and edgiest comedians in the country such as Patrice O’Neal, Bill Burr, Russ Meneve and heavyweight comedy champ Andrew “Dice” Clay.
Best TV Show Host
Doug Williams (Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up, Starz)
Executive producer and host, Doug Williams creates the next Def Comedy Jam with a diverse twist for Starz.
Best Movie (featuring stand-up comedians)
Pineapple Express
Arguably the funniest movie of the year from super producer Judd Apatow, Pineapple Express stars Seth Rogen and James Franco with a supporting cast that includes comedians Craig Robinson, Ken Jeong and Bobby Lee.
Best Documentary
Super High Me
Comedian Doug Benson stars in the hilarious, eye-opening documentary that explores the effects of smoking marijuana for 30 days.
Best Comedy Album
Bill Burr: Why Do I Do This?
Perhaps the most ambitious and original comedy album of the year, Bill Burr brilliantly examines race relations in sports and movies on his sophomore CD.
Best Musical Comedy Album
Mike Rayburn: Mike Rayburn at Carnegie Hall
The classically-trained guitarist delivers a delightful, bone-tickling mash up of standout songs such as “AC/DC Sings Dan Fogelberg,” “Bob Marley Sings Garth Brooks,” and “Led Zeppelin Sings Dr. Seuss.”
Best Collaboration (DVD or CD)
Jeffrey Ross and Larry the Toll Booth Guy
(Jeffrey Ross: No Offense DVD)
Larry the Toll Booth Guy steals the show playing piano during Jeffrey Ross’ hilarious poetry readings.
Best Comedy Show (NYC)
Moonwork’s Evening of Original Works
For the second year in a row, Moonwork’s Evening of Original Works reigns supreme as a high-quality produced show featuring traditional and alternative comedy performances.
Best Industry Showcase (NYC)
Next Round Entertainment
Next Round Entertainment sets a new standard for club-hosted auditions and showcases by producing an impressive show where industry can see established comedians perform their best material without any crowd work or interruption.
Best Comedy Competition (NYC)
Comedy Olympics and March Comedy Madness, Producer: Like 2 Laugh Productions
Unlike most comedy contests and callback shows that spark controversy when the finalists and winners are rumored to be preselected by the producers, Like 2 Laugh Productions’ Josh Filipowski gave the comedy community a fresh alternative with two high-concept events that brings respectability back to comedy competitions. Inspired by the NCAA tournament, Comedy March Madness attracted 64 participants at Carolines and the Comedy Olympics featured over 40 comedians in four events (One-liners, Storytelling, Heckling and Tight 5) at various comedy clubs. Noteworthy standout performers include Big Jay Oakerson, Wil Sylvince, Reese Waters, Mike Vecchione, Lisa Kaplan, Leah Bonnema, Geno Bisconte, David Cope, Barry Rothbart, Nate Bargatze and Sean Crespo.
Best Headliner Club (NYC)
Carolines on Broadway
A perfectly designed upscale club with professional and friendly service located in the heart of Times Square, Carolines on Broadway offers a five-star comedy experience, featuring comedy’s biggest stars and top national headliners.
Best Mainstream Comedy Room (NYC)
Comedy Cellar
Where else can you see New York City’s best and funniest comedians at the most affordable admission and drink minimum (without being duped by a street team member who sells tickets based on a lie that Dane Cook or some other celebrity will be at the club)? The home club where the City’s comedy elite (Dave Attell, Colin Quinn, Jim Norton, Greg Giraldo, etc) performs regularly, the Comedy Cellar consistently gives their ever-growing repeat audience the best lineup of killer comedians.
