11th Annual NZ Comedy Guild Awards, held on 26 January, celebrated another strong year for the industry. The awards are voted on by performers in the NZ comedy circuit making it one of the most popular evenings for the industry.

And the winners are...

2011 BEST NEWCOMER (RAW COMEDIAN)

The best new face to come on the scene in the last 12 months

11th Annual NZ Comedy Guild Awards, held on 26 January, celebrated another strong year for the industry. The awards are voted on by performers in the NZ comedy circuit making it one of the most popular evenings for the industry.

And the winners are...

2011 BEST NEWCOMER (RAW COMEDIAN)

The best new face to come on the scene in the last 12 months

Winner:

• Alan Hurley

Nominated:

• Anthony Wilson
• Mo Kheir
• Jonny Potts

2011 BEST SHOW CONCEPT sponsored by Phantom Billstickers Ltd

An award to honour fresh and brave ideas regardless of commercial success. The NZ show (either in or outside the Festival) that was based on a really good idea that was gutsy and broke new comedy ground. This isn't about ticket sales or reviews, it's about a bloody good comedy idea.

Winner:

• Munfred Bernstein's Cabinet Of Wonder - Jamie Bowen

Nominated:

• What Could Possibly Go Wrong - Vaughan King
• Kevin The Musical - Steve Wrigley

2011 BEST SHOW

Your favourite kiwi comedy "show" (as in a specific event, rather than a normal showcase) this year, either during the Festival or at any other time

Winner:

• AotearoHA! Next Big Things

Nominated:

• Uncommon Sense - Jeremy Elwood
• Munfred Bernstein's Cabinet Of Wonder - Jamie Bowen
• Pakehas Be All Like This - Nick Gibb

2011 ‘The Classic’ BEST COMEDY VENUE

Favourite place to perform within NZ over the last year, named after Auckland’s Classic Comedy Bar which won the award 10 years in a row then retired from the award to encourage other venues.

Winner:

• The Basement (Taranaki)

Nominated:

• Snatch (Ponsonby)
• The Fringe Bar (Wellington)
• The Cook (Hamilton)

2011 BEST MEDIA SUPPORT

The magazine/newspaper/radio or television programme that best raised our profile and supported local comedy.

Winner:

• TV3

Nominated:

• Radio New Zealand National
• TVNZ U
• The NZ Herald

2011 BEST INTERNATIONAL GUEST

The overseas comedian who gave the most to the NZ comedy community this year – by being a great comedian and / or a good person.

Winner:

• Terry Alderton

Nominated:

• Carey Marx
• Heath Franklin

2011 BEST INDUSTRY FRIEND

The person who has best supported the industry, be it on stage or behind the scenes

Winner:

• Ben Hurley

Nominated:

• Vaughan King
• Stella Graham
• Jerome Chandrahasen

2011 BEST NZ ON-SCREEN COMEDY PERFORMANCE

Best comedy performance by an individual in a NZ-made film or television programme broadcast this year

Winner:

• Paul Ego on 7 Days TV3

Nominated:

• Dai Henwood on '7 Days' TV3
• Brendhan Lovegrove on 'A Night At The Classic' TV2

2011 MOST IMPROVED COMEDIAN

The comedian, regardless of experience, who has progressed the most over the last year, in terms of quality of performance, material, attitude, etc

Winner:

• Tevita Manukia

Nominated:

• Brad Zimmerman
• TJ MacDonald

2011 THE ANDREW KOVACEVICH MEMORIAL CUP FOR MOST OFFENSIVE GAG

In honour of the late AK, the gag that pushed envelopes and boundaries by making us laugh and cringe at the same time.

Winner:

• Ed Caruthers

Nominated:

• Dave Smith
• Vaughan King
• Sanjay Patel
• Alan McElroy
• Dai Henwood

2011 THE GREEN ROOMER

The comedian who is the most fun to share space with off-stage. The person who you see when you walk in and think, this is going to be a good night, no matter what happens on stage.

Winner:

• Justine Smith

Nominated:

• Vaughan King

2011 BEST MC sponsored by Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting

The comedian who has done the best job of hosting comedy shows this year; the one who creates the best environment for comedians to work in

Winner:

• Nick Rado

Nominated:

• James Nokise
• Rob Callaghan
• Jan Maree

2011 GAG OF THE YEAR

It'll be subjective and contentious and opinions will vary. Give the name of the comedian, and write out their gag as best you can.

Winner:

• Ed Caruthers

Nominated:

• Sanjay patel
• Nick Gibb
• Jan Maree
• Nathan Winter
• Nick Rado
• Ben Hurley
• Tevita Manukia
• Reuben Lee
• Jeremy Elwood
• Lovegrove.

2011 BEST MALE COMEDIAN

The guy you rate as the best in the business this year

Winner:

• Alan Hurley

Nominated:

• Jeremy Elwood
• Brendan Lovegrove
• Steve Wrigley
• Paul Ego
• Ben Hurley

2011 BEST FEMALE COMEDIAN

The woman you rate as the best in the business this year

Winner:

• Urzila Carlson

Nominated:

• Jan Maree
• Michele A'Court
• Justine Smith

2011 THE KEVIN SMITH MEMORIAL CUP FOR BEST ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT

The act who has made their mark, either nationally or internationally, with one or more breakthrough achievements over the last year.

Winner:

• Sam Wills' Royal Variety Show

Nominated:

• Rhys Darby - U.S. Sitcom

Presidents Medal:

A special award was also given to Jamie Bowen to acknowledge is consist efforts, achievements, and attitude within the industry.

Sponsors who made the evening possible...

• Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting
• Phantom Billstickers Ltd
• The Classic Comedy Bar
• Kate Little Photography
• Corporate Events Guide
• Flying Solo Catering

Further information: NZ Comedy Guild