Televised on Channel 4 for the first time after 20 years on ITV, The British Comedy Awards paid tribute to the best laughs of 2010, and celebrated the year gone by with an all night bash that involved virtually every funny man and woman known in today’s UK comedy syndicate. Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the 2 hour show was a neatly spread presentation, quick to poke fun at itself as well as the comedians in the firing line, and dutiful in paying respect and homage to those most deserving.
The Award Goes To…
With the show circulating from start to finish around the all important 'People’s Choice Award,' the opening victory was scored by Michael McIntyre who picked up 'Best Comedy Male' Other male winners included Harry Hill for 'Best Comedy Entertainment Personality', In The Thick Of It star Peter Capaldi for 'Best Actor,' stand up comic Jon Bishop for 'Best Male Breakthrough Artist' and Facejacker star Kayvan Novak for 'Best Comedy Film Performance' as his role in the film Four Lions.
Also receiving high prestige was comedian Russell Brand, who received the "Outstanding Contribution to Comedy Award', and Last of the Summer Wine actor Roy Clarke, who humbly accepted the 'Lifetime Achievement Award,' albeit on behalf of his numerous colleagues whom he paid thanks to in a heartfelt speech
Female winners included Getting On star Jo Brand, who was awarded 'Best Female TV Comic' and Samantha Spiro who won the 'Best Female Breakthrough Artist,' namely for her role in the sitcom Grandma’s House. Also picking up awards in the female category was Miranda Hart who won 'Best comedy Actress' as well as winning the 'Best New TV Comedy Award' for her show Miranda.
Other winning TV shows included Would I Lie to You for 'Best Comedy Panel Show,' The Inbetweeners for 'Best Sitcom', Charlie Brooker’s Newswipe for 'Best Comedy Entertainment Programme' and Children’s BBC programme Horrible Histories for 'Best Sketch Show'. Also receiving a 'Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Award' were Peep Show writers Jesse Armstrong and Sam Baines.
Finally, scooping up 'The People’s Choice Award' was Miranda Hart, who was already in possession of 2 other awards. With a total of 3 by the end of the night, she was by far the most successful person to attend the ceremony.
Following the announcements, coverage changed over to E4 for the After Show Party. Interviews were conducted with winners and nominees in various informal guises, which brought a more relaxed and human element to the ceremony. Highlights of light hearted jest included an award winning Kayvan Novak, who jovially held a man-shaped biscuit behind Charlie Brooker’s shoulder during an interview with The 10 o’clock Show co host Lauren Laverne.
Amusing Subtitles
Another element that may have provided comedy without intent was the subtitles for the hard of hearing on digital TV. Having done little or no research into the names of nominees, the typists charged with keeping up with a live broadcast, and using the diction of the various announcers as their only reference, clearly displayed their lack of knowledge on a number of occasions.
Mishearing or not hearing the names at all, nominees were typed only by their first names, were omitted from the subtitles altogether or horrendously spelt as the typists tried to piece together what they thought they’d heard. Most notable was the case of British-Iranian Kayvan Novak, whose name, after a long pause in transcript, was read by millions as “Cavan Nova.”
The British Comedy Awards was broadcast live at 9:00pm, Saturday 22nd of February.
Ashley Jacob - I'm 28 and currently residing in Bath, England with my son Caleb and my girlfriend Julie. Since my days of childhood, music and elaborate ...
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