The Inaugural Humor Mill Comedy Awards unveils its distinguished honorees and remarkable nominees for a celebration of the funniest and most talented performers in television, film, and social media Tuesday, February 21 at The Director’s Guild of America (DGA). Veteran television writer and producer Ralph Farquhar and world renowned comedic legend George Wallace blaze the trail as the pioneer recipients of the Icon and Lifetime Achievement Awards commemorating their legacy of laughter.
As the genius behind hit shows like “Moesha,” “The Parkers,” “Married… with Children,” “The Proud Family,” and the Emmy-Award winning Disney+ Original “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” television executive producer and writer Ralph Farquhar is tapped to receive the prestigious Icon Award. His significant impact on the world of television has produced some of the most beloved shows of all time and has shaped the understanding of urban comedy in scripted television. Stand-up comedy maestro George Wallace will be presented the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for his over four decades of selling out comedy clubs and concert venues all over the globe. Wallace began his career in comedy as a writer for “The Redd Foxx Show” and went on to make huge waves in stand-up comedy, television, and radio. He turned classic film roles into unforgettable characters with his captivating performances in classic films like “Car Wash,” “Batman Forever,” and “Little Nicky,” to name just a few.
“The Humor Mill Comedy Awards holds special significance as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the African-American community during Black History Month,” says Founder Frank Holder. “With unique perspectives and experiences, urban comedians bring the power of healing, unity, upliftment and resilience to the art form of comedy generation after generation.”
A hand-picked cohort of comedy royalty, nominated by the comedy elite and chosen from the finest crop of comedic stars and social influencers, make up the first-ever Humor Mill Comedy Awards line-up. Below is a list of categories and nominees:
BEST SITCOM
- REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD (BET+)
- FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS (SHOWTIME)
- MS PAT SHOW (BET+)
- THE UPSHAWS (NETFLIX)
- SOUTHSIDE (HBOMAX)
- THIS FOOL (HULU)
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS IN TV/FILM
- CHANDRA RUSSELL- SOUTHSIDE (HBOMAX)
- MS PAT- THE MS PAT SHOW (BET)
- B. SIMONE- FINDING HAPPY (BOUNCE)
- KIM FIELDS- THE UPSHAWS (NETFLIX)
- JANELLE JAMES- ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (ABC)
BEST COMEDIC ACTOR IN TV/FILM
- BASHIR SALAHUDDIN- SOUTHSIDE (HBOMAX)
- BARRY BREWER- BRUH (BET+)
- KING KERAUN- MILLENNIALS (ALLBLK)
- DC YOUNG FLY- WILD N’ OUT (MTV)
- JACKIE LONG- REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD (BET)
- FRANKIE QUINONES- THIS FOOL (HULU)
FUNNIEST FILM OF THE YEAR
- EASTER SUNDAY
- HONK FOR JESUS
- DAY SHIFT
- SANTA GAMES
- MEXZOMBIES
SKETCH OF THE YEAR
- DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS- LIL NELLY AND I PARENT TEACHER ZOOM CONFERENCE
- THE ENKY BOYS- WILL SMITH/CHRIS ROCK, OSCARS
- JASON BANKS- MUSIC COMPILATION
- WHEN YOUR GIRL CATCHES YOU LYING- TREY MOE
- WHEN THE WHOLE CREW IS STUPID- BIG JAH
- COUGAR CHRONICLES- TRENDY TOPIC TIFF
- NUEVAYOL- COLUMBUS DAY STOLEN CAR
- KOUNTRY WAYNE- WHEN YOUR EX COUGAR GIRLFRIEND POPS UP
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS-SOCIAL MEDIA
- DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS
- PRECIOUS KUTIE
- INDIREMY COMEDY
- KAT FLORENCE
- AKILAH HUGHS
- WHITNEY LABEL
Chris Spencer, the mastermind behind “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” and head penman for “Wild ‘n Out,” will rock the mic as host. The show will get a double dose of hilarity with the comedic flair and golden punchlines of Detroit co-host Tony Roberts. Adding his own brand of humor, comedian Juhahn Jones will deliver quick-witted behind-the-scenes moments as a social media correspondent.
Voting for nominees is open through February 17 and votes can be cast here. Pre-show media interview opportunities are available upon request here including a virtual press day featuring Chris Spencer, Tony Roberts and Juhahn Jones Monday, February 16 from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PST.
