International success, local stars and the odd newcomer have all been recognised at the 2007 NZ Comedy Guild Awards. Winners included Rhys Darby (pictured), home for the event between filming scenes in The Yes Men alongside Jim Carrey and the upcoming second season of Flight Of The Conchords, who picked up two awards: Best Onscreen Comedy Performance and The Kevin Smith Memorial Trophy for Artist Achievement, an award he has now claimed three years in a row.Also continuing their winning streaks were Michele A'Court, who has now reigned as NZ's Best Female Comedian for six years straight, Sam Wills, whose alter-ego The Boy With Tape On His Face won both Best Show and Best Show Concept for a second year, and Brendhan Lovegrove, who repeated his 2006 win for The Andrew Kovachevich Cup.

Relative newcomer Simon McKinney was the surprise of the night, beating out veterans Lovegrove, Dai Henwood and Best MC winner Jeremy Elwood to take the Best Male Comedian title, whilst Maori Television took top honours in the category of Best Media Support.

2007 NZ Comedy Guild Awards Winners

Best Newcomer
Rhys Mathewson

Best Show Concept
Sam Wills, "The Boy With Tape On His Face"

MULTIMEDIA Award for Best Show
Sam Wills, "The Boy With Tape On His Face"

Best Comedy Venue
The Classic Comedy Club, Auckland

Best Media Support
Maori Television

Best International Guest
Stephen K Amos

Best Industry Friend
Richard Carrington, Notorious Management

Best On-Screen Comedy Performance
Rhys Darby, Flight of the Conchords - HBO

Most Improved Comedian
Darren Jardine

The Andrew Kovacevich Memorial Cup
Brendhan Lovegrove

bFM Gag of the Year
Brendhan Lovegrove "1.4 Billion Chinese"

Best MC
Jeremy Elwood

Best Male Comedian
Simon McKinney

Best Female Comedian
Michele A'Court

The Kevin Smith Memorial Cup for Best Artist Achievement
Rhys Darby - For landing a role in Yes Men with Jim Carrey

The Green Room Award
Grant Lobban

19/12/07