Who are New Zealand's best comedians and laughter queens who swept the Fred Award
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New Zealand's premier comedy award, The Fred Award, featured an all-female lineup of finalists for the first time, a landmark moment reflecting the rising prominence of women in Kiwi comedy. Named after John Clarke's iconic character Fred Dagg, this prestigious prize honors the country's top comedic talent and comes with a $5,000 grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust Angella Dravid was crowned best in show at the closing gala of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and was awarded The Fred Award.Dravid's winning set, I'm Happy For You, is a darkly funny exploration of traumatic experiences from her own life. She beat fellow finalists Abby Howells and Melanie Bracewell, all of whom had previously won the Billy T Award, the festival's prize for emerging comedians 'This is the first time that three previous winners of the Billy T Award made up the Fred Award nominees,' highlighting the festival's commitment to nurturing fresh voices. Dravid herself won the Billy T in 2017, followed by Bracewell in 2018, and Howells in 2023.This achievement marks only the third time a woman has taken home The Fred Award, after Jan Maree and Rose Matafeo, breaking a decade-long streak dominated by male winners. Previous Fred Award recipients include well-known names like Dai Henwood, Chris Parker, and Guy Montgomery.The Billy T Award this year went to Hoani Hotene for his show It's Getting Hotene, So Tell Me All Your Jokes. Hotene triumphed over nominees including David Stuart, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom, also earning a $5,000 grant.Started in 1997 and inspired by legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates rising talent in New Zealand's vibrant comedy scene.Other highlights from the festival included Best Newcomer (Auckland) Sean Collier, joint winners Mo Munn and Liv Ward for Best Newcomer (Wellington), and the Festival Director's Choice Award given to Johanna Cosgrove. The Best International category was shared by Australia's Elouise Eftos and Rosco McClelland.This year's festival felt like a celebration of resilience, fresh perspectives, and a broadening comedic landscape. Dravid's blend of humor and honesty about personal trauma resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting a new era where comedy embraces vulnerability alongside laughter.As festival host and previous Fred winner Eli Matthewson said, the event was a 'powerful reminder that comedy is not just about jokes it's about connecting through shared human experience.'With these breakthroughs, New Zealand's comedy scene looks set to inspire audiences both locally and abroad for years to come.
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