The 2022 Awards for Remarkable Achievements of Exceptional Noteworthiness for Unrelated Things in Comedy
Some of the best comedy moments defy categorization but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve recognition. Some of these ‘awards’ are genuine and some of them are a little tongue in cheek. Here are some of our favorite award-worthy happenings in comedy in 2021. And scroll down to the bottom to see what we’re looking forward to most in 2022!
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On to the Excies!
The First Annual Sara Dahms Award for Outstanding Support of Live Comedy: “Lu”
Stand up comedy is literally nothing without an audience. And everyone knows that even the best comedy can be even more powerful, when the audience is firing on all cylinders. Supportive fans mean so much to comedians, and there was no fan more supportive of comedy than Sara Dahms. Sara passed away this year, way too young at the age of 41 after spending the last five years supporting comedy, in writing, for this website. Starting out just describing her extensive comedy-cations, Sara would later write reviews, host beautiful interviews, cover red carpets and promote all her favorite comedians, always with positivity and enthusiasm. What was even more remarkable, was how many comedians and fans knew Sara, from reading her columns, meeting her at shows and festivals and speaking with her one on one. She loved what she did and the comedians, clubs and festivals that she wrote about all loved her right back. So we’re all proud to create this award, the first annual Sara Dahms Award for Outstanding Support of Live Comedy to a fan of stand up who best embodies Sara’s love and positivity for the artform.
The first award goes to someone who is a tireless supporter of comedy and everyone knows and loves her. Since this award is a surprise, and she’s not a particularly public person, we will only identify her as “Lu,” a comedy super fan from Pennsylvania who you may know on Twitter as @pwroflov or Instagram as @luhugs. If you love New York dark comedy- the likes of Bennington, The Bonfire, Robert Kelly, Ari Shaffir, Nick Mullen, Amy Schumer, Colin Quinn, Skankfest, Shane Gillis, Louis CK, Dan Soder, Lynne Koplitz, Dave Attell, Eleanor Kerrigan, Yamaneika Saunders, and Big Jay Oakerson, to name just a few– you’ve seen her at their shows. She travels near and far to see her faves, and shows up on Twitter, Instagram and zoom to show love to the performers she adores. And when Sara passed away earlier this year, she reached out because she understood what made Sara great and wanted to help remember her. We love you Lu and you’re appreciated. Thank you!
The Iron Man Award
Colin Quinn is still the Iron Man of comedy. Last year won this award for his last touring one man show, The Last Best Hope. We called him the Tom Brady of the Game getting stronger every year, (and we may need to change that name now). But his new show, Small Talk is about to open in New York City and we couldn’t be more excited. Small Talk opens in January.
The 7th Annual Colin Quinn Award for Twitter Excellence
Every year one comedian stands out as making the very best use of Twitter. Tim Heidecker is the king of Twitter this year, trolling the Musk-Man himself while being absolutely hilarious. Heidecker is so funny on Twitter, mocking conventions and the platform istelf, that he makes the rest of us look like idiots for promoting shit and complaining about airlines. Heidecker wins the award for poking and prodding Twitter Emp3r0r Elon Musk posted below. The official Twitter reaction is hilarious. And just for fun we shared a few other recent reasons to love Tim on Twitter.
“Here’s what we know: 1. Trump is dead (died badly) 2. @elonmusk has suppressed this news (or has he?) 3. Donald Trump Junior is now just plain Donald Trump please like and share.”
“BREAKING: @elonmusk is right now at this moment in my toilet.” December 16
“Sadly I think the entire market for The Fabelman’s received the screener for it.” December 28
“What was the first DVD you purchased? Do not reply, just think about it.” December 27
Past Winners: Andy Kindler, Tim Dillon, Jessica Kirson, Adrienne Iapalucci, Bonnie McFarlane, and Colin Quinn
Sixth Annual The Donald J. Trump Media Takeover/Self Promotional Award
In the past this award has gone to those who can’t seem to stop making TMZ, usually for obnoxious self promotion. But this year it goes to Chris Redd, who had the most brilliant way to get promotion for his new comedy special- getting assaulted by a crazy person outside the Comedy Cellar.
The, We Can’t Believe You’re Still Doing This Award
Last year, Greg Stone’s brand new band released an album and had the song of the summer and we gave him and his band Night Cream the “stop acting like its a bit we know you love this” award. In 2022 Night Cream is still going strong and we do love it, but how is this still happening?
Most Dangerous Comedy Podcast Award
First awarded to Joe Rogan, and later to My Wife Hates Me and of course, Chip Chipperson, this year’s most dangerous comedy podcast award goes to Sal Vulcano, and Joe DeRosa, cohosts of the hit podcast Taste Buds. Not since Russia invaded Ukraine have we seen such hostility between neighbors. Sal and Joe battle it out every week deciding which food, snack or drink is better, and it feels like at any moment violence could erupt. Red Sauce vs White Sauce, apps vs desserts, coffee or tea, chips vs pretzels, pbj vs grilled cheese, its enough to turn brother against brother. Listen to this one alone or you may find yourself losing a friend before the episode ends.
Real Contender Award
2022 brought us a long list of terrific first hours, showing incredible promise for stand up in years to come. But the most interesting hour that will rattle around in our heads for a long time to come, hails from Byron Bowers. “Spiritual N****” kind of got lost in the shuffle this year, because he released the hour on FX, which is new to comedy special distribution. But it lives on Hulu now, and there’s so much here to unpack. Bowers is an outstanding writer, with a strong stage presence and a lot to say. This hour is predominantly about mental health, covering suicide, mushrooms, depression. If it sounds like a downer, it’s not. There are sparks of brilliance, bouts of silliness, and plenty of laughs. Bowers filmed his hour in a Decatur Boxing Gym, in front of a tight audience with no flash or bravado. This is raw bare stand up and it resonates. And a couple of the jokes could even qualify as the best jokes this year. Bowers is smart, sincere, funny, and an artist. This hour should also win an award for best cameo by a celebrity in a comedy special for Alia Shawkat’s hilarious performance as an influencer in the hour’s opening digi short. For the best special ever to be delivered in a boxing ring, and for a strong jump out of the gate, Byron Bowers Proof has proven that he’s a real contender, and he’s ready to get a shot at the title.
Best Closer of the Year That Wasn’t A Closer
Got to give some more love to Kate Berlant, this time for her solo hour, Cinnamon in the Wind directed by Bo Burnham, produced by Jerrod Carmichael, EP by Jeff Tomsic and produced by Matthew Vaughn. It’s a non stop stream of fever dream laughs and deserved far more attention than it received, and we can’t give enough love to Kate’s crazy non-closer of a closing bit, that starts with Kate just letting us know we’re getting to that time of the show, before she goes through a series of hypothetical ways to close the show before not actually closing the show at all.
Best Response to Being Assaulted at Work Award
A lot of comedians had to react to getting assaulted at work this year, and everyone reacted differently but this absolute best response award goes to Ariel Elias who kept her head while being heckled by some drunks at NJ’s Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club, and when an audience member chucked a beer at her head, she picked up the can, and took a hit off it and kept performing. Her epic response put her in the spotlight- she made every entertainment and news website in the country- and scored a stand up spot on Jimmy Kimmel Live. What a pro!
Worst Response to Being Assaulted at Work Award
“I’m going to.”
Most Surprising Trend in Comedy
New families are the most surprising trend in comedy in 2022- a year full of engagements, weddings, and pregnancies. Iliza Shlesinger started the year off having a brand new baby, Casey Balsham is pregnant, Mark Normand got married, and Jay Mohr and Dan Soder and Pete Lee announced new engagements. Congratulations and Mazel Tov on all of these comedy Mitzvahs and maybe next year the newest trend in comedy will be family festivals.
Greatest Dance Scene Since Elaine Bennis Award
Got to give all the love we have to Tramell Tillman also known as. Milchick on Apple TV +‘s critically acclaimed series Severance. Milchick is a scene stealer in a room full of acting legends. When you can steal any spotlight in a series that also stars John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette, you’ve got some serious skills. And the peak Milchick moment comes in Episode 7, during a very unique dance party that thanks to Tillman is as funny as it is disturbing as it is mesmerizing. Outstanding television. When do we get to see Milchick on Dancing with the Stars?
Best Kiss in Comedy Award
Clearly this goes to Nick Kroll whose terrific performance in Don’t Worry, Darling earned him the respect of millennials and his kiss with the prince of pop Harry styles earned him the envy of Gen Z.
Best SNL Sketch of 2022
Let’s been honest it hasn’t been a stand out year so far, but there was one cold open that showed us what the great minds at Saturday Night Live are capable of. The Manning Brothers Cold Open is the stand out sketch of 2022 and probably 2021 as well.
Worst SNL Sketch of 2022
David Pumpkins. Please stop. Any questions?
Best Wet Teeshirt Award
One comedian showed in 2022 that they’ve got the goods to bring back the wet tshirt contest for good. Either that or Jerry Seinfeld wins the award for best use of a camera angle, because when he was photographed on vacation this month in a wet white tee, we learned that Jerry Seinfeld has been hiding some serious abba dabbas. Congratulations Jerry, now stop hiding those nips. Your public awaits.
Best New Museum Exhibit
National Comedy Center has added a Carl Reiner exhibition to their hallowed halls and it may be worth the trip just to pay homage to this comedy giant. The new exhibit includes hundreds of never seen before archival materials like rare clips, papers, photos, and artifacts spanning his legendary career as a performer on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, The Dick Van Dyke Show, the iconic 2000 Year Old Man, and his cinematic achievements. The artifacts are incredible- his typewriter case and original typed manuscripts, the cowboy hat he wore on the last episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show, his Emmy Awards, his Mark Twain prize and best of all, the chairs and TV trays he and Mel Brooks sat in for years as they spent evenings together watching television and having dinner.
Best Industry Collab to Come Out of the Pandemic
The muscle and money of Just for Laughs combined with the brilliance and small city appeal of Austin’s best comedy producers at the Moontower Comedy Festival. joined forces this year to put on one spectacular comedy event that could be the best festival of the year. This is one marriage we hope will last.
The Smuckers Award for 100 Years
Norman Lear is 100 years old, he’s got five years on Mel Brooks and he’s still working! Congratulations on the longest and best career in comedy Norman!
The Best Revenge Against the Fire is Living Well Award
Murray Hill had a rough year last year, he lost everything just days after Thanksgiving when his apartment caught fire. He lost his home, his furniture, electronics, clothing, years of irreplaceable showbiz memorabilia, custom-made show suits, and more. You can’t get revenge against fire, but someone once said the best revenge is living well and in 2022, Murray Hill is killing it. HBO’s decision to cast him in Somebody Somewhere was the kind of genius that doesn’t come along often, and not only is he perfectly cast in a critically beloved series, but he’s being seen as a tv sensation. He also appeared in Amy Schumer’s Life and Beth, and Welcome to Flatch this year and we expect to see a lot more of him in years to come.
Thank You For Your Service Award
Pamela Adlon, thank you for your five beautiful years of heartbreaking hilarious television. We’ll miss Better Things more than we can even admit to ourselves.
Thanks But No Thanks
Even great artists who we love make mistakes and there were a few this year. Louis CK’s infomercial didn’t quite kill it, Judd Apatow’s The Bubble wasn’t what we were hoping for, but the TBNT award goes to Pete Holmes this year for failed sitcom attempt That’s How We Roll. We didn’t think a sitcom about a bowler was going to pop but hey you never know. It didn’t. Next time, try curling. People love curling.
Most Anticipated Projects of 2023!
Look, we don’t have a clue what’s actually going to be happening, but here is a preview of some of the projects that are supposed to happen in 2023, that we’re most looking forward to.
Last year we were excited for the premiere of Bridget Everett’s Somebody Somewhere, and wow did that pay off beautifully. So the very first thing we’re looking forward to in 2023, is Somebody Somewhere Season Two. We also were excited for the release of Tom Segura’s book, I’d Like to Play Alone Please, and again, smash hit that made our best books of 2022 list.
But what never happened in 2022 was the return of Party Down. The good news is, we finally have a trailer and a February premiere date, so we’re carrying that over as something we can’t wait to see.
We’re also excited that Nate Bargatze has a new special coming out in January, Chris Rock will be Live on Netflix in March, Daniel Sloss has a new hour dropping in 2023, and please please please tell us the Pop Tart Movie is coming soon. And yes we’re all going to watch Cocaine Bear but lets just say our expectations are tempered. Also looking forward to Comedy Bang Bang The Podcast the Book, Colin Quinn’s new show, Small Talk, debuting in NYC in January, and we’ve been hearing great things about Gianmarco Soresi‘s album taping, and that album should be coming out in early 2023. We’re also interested in checking out Shrinking on Apple TV +, and Prime’s The Consultant with Christophe Waltz.
We Miss You So Much Award:
We thought 2020 was a crushing year for loss, and 2021 really was almost too painful to recover from. We didn’t think 2022 could throw so many curveballs at us, but once again, we lost so many friends, and much much too soon. We lost true legends of comedy, like Budd and Silver Friedman, who founded The Improv and were in many ways responsible for the existence of Comedy Clubs. We said goodbye to a true legend in the business, and a gentleman, George Shapiro who was not only Jerry Seinfeld’s manager but also managed Carl Reiner and Andy Kaufman. He also was EP on so many iconic projects. We lost comedy giants Gilbert Gottfried, Louie Anderson and Bob Saget, three of the nicest guys in comedy and undoubtedly in the 1% of the best performers we had. We’ve had the chance to work with all three of them over the years, and it would not be possible to overstate their talents, and the love that we had for their legacy and for who they were as people. We lost all of them too young, but the loss of two budding young artists- Jak Knight and Nick Nemeroff were unbearable for so many. Both comedians had such bright futures ahead of them. And we lost a number of other comedy icons- Estelle Harris, Gallagher, Amazing Jonathan, Judy Tenuta and Leslie Jordan to name a few. And Mike Hagerty who passed away after landing the best role of his lifetime as Sam’s Dad on HBO’s Somebody Somwhere.
And finally, the loss of our close friend and collaborator Sara Dahms was a shock we still haven’t recovered from. In many ways she had become the heart and soul of this website, and was so beloved not only by us but everyone in comedy. She was a beautiful soul who started her unique relationship with comedy simply by being a fan, a supporter and a joy to have in any comedy room. Over the years she spent writing for the Interrobang, she became so much more and touched people across the country and even the world with her beautiful stories about her comedy experiences, and her bubbly personality as she traveled to witness comedy all over the country. She is missed each and every day.
