The First Urban Comedy Awards were hosted by the Humor Mill Comedy Awards
By NaTyshca Pickett
Humor Mill Comedy Awards Founder and Executive Producer poses with Actress and Comedian Tiffany Haddish and Film and Television Executive Stan Lathan. Photo Credit: Arnold Turner.
On Tuesday, February 21, at the Director's Guild of America, the first-ever Humor Mill Comedy Awards debuted tribute of pioneering comedic titans, rising stars, and social influencers. The evening celebrated the varied and extensive heritage of urban comedy with a hand-picked lineup of presenters, honorees, and special tributes, all of which had Instagram-worthy show-stopping moments.
Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles Lawson step out on the Humor Mill Comedy Awards red carpet. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III.
Juhan Jones, a social media reporter, provided quick-witted, hilarious behind-the-scenes recaps from the red carpet before the Humor Mill Comedy Awards even started. The show's Executive Producer and visionary Frank Holder provided the opening remarks, setting the tone for a night of pleasure and triumph. With a hilarious opening tune that sent tremors of laughter through the audience, Detroit comedian Tony T. Roberts took the stage. Chris Spencer, the evening's host and executive producer, took over from Roberts and maintained the momentum. The night's presenters honored the pioneers of urban comedy, including Stan Lathan, Tiffany Haddish, Brian J. White, Alex Thomas, Jasmine Burke, Dorien Wilson, and many others. The night's honorees included veteran television director and writer Ralph Farquhar and legendary comedian George Wallace.
Icon Award Honoree Ralph Farquhar, Presenters, Tiffany Haddish, Stan Lathan and Lifetime Achievement Honoree George Wallace. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III
Farquhar exclaims, "I'm so happy there's a program honoring all these comedians who have gone unnoticed all these years." The reality is that black comedians are the industry's foundation. I'm honored that the first Icon Medal was given to me.
"Being honored by my community and receiving this award from my people is a genuine blessing and an honor in and of itself, Wallace said.
With special history moments honoring the contributions of pioneers who paved the way for the subsequent generation of comedic talent, including Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham, Moms Mabley, Stepin Fetchit, Freddie Prinze, and Pat Morita, the night continued to celebrate the accomplishments of comedy greats. The Humor Mill Comedy Awards honored winners in several categories, including "Best Sitcom," "Funniest Film of the Year," and others, by combining the best performers of the past, present, and future.
Comedian Michael Colyer on the Humor Mill Comedy Awards red carpet. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III
View this year’s Humor Mill Comedy Awards winners below:
BEST SITCOM - REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS IN TV/FILM - KIM FIELDS
BEST COMEDIC ACTOR IN TV/FILM - DC YOUNG FLY
FUNNIEST FILM OF THE YEAR - DAY SHIFT
SKETCH OF THE YEAR - JUHAHN JONES
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS - DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS
COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR - EARTHQUAKE
COMEDY SPECIAL OF THE YEAR - DAVID ARNOLD
BEST COMEDIC BRAND ADVERTISING - OLD SPICE - DEON COLE, GABRIELLE DENNIS
Humor Mill Comedy Awards Winner Comedian of the Year, Earthquake gives his acceptance speech at the Humor Comedy Awards. Photo Credit: Arnold Turner
The Humor Mill Comedy Awards gave a warm homage to the comedians who passed away in 2022. The show's creator and executive producer Frank Holder says, "Comedy has always held a special place in my heart. To me, it's a medium that is designed to celebrate those we've lost who have dedicated their lives to bringing laughter and joy to people all over the world while spotlighting the talented comedians who are still here."
Holder expressed his appreciation for the chance to gather the top urban comedy talent in a moving and uplifting message as he brought the evening to a close. Visit www.humormilltv.com or interact on social media with @humor mill on Instagram, @thehumormill on Twitter, and @HumorMill on Facebook for more information about Humor Mill and the air date.
ABOUT HUMOR MILL
Humor Mill is the premier destination for all things urban comedy boasting a comprehensive platform including its news website, digital magazine, internet radio and linear cable broadcast channels. Its integrated suite of platforms reach over 4 million households with original and syndicated programming including comedic films, stand-up comedy, sketches, interviews, documentaries and more. With over 100,000 monthly website hits, 35,000 digital magazine subscribers, and 23,000 monthly radio listeners, Humor Mill is on the cutting edge and forefront of the comedy world. For more information on Humor Mill, visit www.humormilltv.com or connect on social media @humor_mill on Instagram, @thehumormill on Twitter and @HumorMill on Facebook.
ABOUT THE HUMOR MILL COMEDY AWARDS
The Humor Mill Comedy Awards was established as a way to honor and celebrate the diverse, dynamic world of urban comedy. Recognizing the hard work and influence of comedians in shaping mainstream culture, the show will educate audiences on the history and future of comedy. The show will pay homage to comedians through tributes including The Icon and Lifetime Achievement Awards to celebrate their contributions to the field. For more information on Humor Mill, visit www.humormilltv.com or connect on social media @humor_mill on Instagram, @thehumormill on Twitter and @HumorMill on Facebook.