Latest news with #2025FredAward


Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists – Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best Newcomer (Auckland): Sean Collier with Write-Off Best Newcomer (Wellington – Joint Winners): Mo Munn with Is It Off? and Liv Ward with EPIC WAY! I'm Gay? Oui oui faguette™ I LOVE KIM HILL (1999 version) Festival Director's Choice Award: Johanna Cosgrove with SWEETIE Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.


Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists - Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio County woman named finalist for 2025 Fred Award
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) named its finalists for the 2025 Fred Award. Officials say the Fred Program celebrates support staff who work in public schools. A finalist for this year's awards is Allie Richards, who is the Lead Custodian of Ohio County Schools, and she placed third on the 'finalist list.' Richards specifically works at Fordsville Elementary. Funds approved for Audubon Conference Center KASA says Richards, lead custodian at Fordsville Elementary, is a 'cherished and selfless member of the school community' whose influence reaches far beyond her role. Some refer to her as 'Miss Allie,' and KASA says Richards serves with a 'joyful spirit'—leading reading groups, encouraging students and volunteering at every opportunity. According to KASA, Richards 'shows up daily with a smile and unwavering commitment.' KASA says Richards embodies 'humility, heart and the spirit of service.' KASA explains the Fred Award Program annually invites nominations from districts across the state of Kentucky. Inspired by the story of Fred Shea, who was present in Mark Sanborn's bestselling book, 'The Fred Factor,' the award honors non-administrative staff whose 'exceptional contributions' create an environment conducive to learning and growth within their school communities. Finalists for this accolade embody four guiding principles: Makes a positive difference each day Has a heart for people Changes ordinary moments into memorable ones Leads by example Public input needed for roadway safety survey in western Kentucky 'Freds represent the heart and soul of public education. They exemplify selflessness and unwavering dedication,' said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, KASA Chief Executive Officer. 'Their impact is foundational to the classroom—they inspire, uplift, and foster a culture of belonging. These individuals make every student feel seen and valued, often without recognition, but their legacy of kindness and leadership is immeasurable.' Officials with KASA say each finalist's district will be visited by a film crew to capture the essence of their service. These videos will aid the judging panel—a consortium of education leaders from districts statewide—in selecting the recipient of the prestigious statewide award. The winner will be unveiled on July 25 at KASA's annual leadership institute in Louisville. Both the winner and finalists will be honored with a distinguished marble plaque, a copy of 'The Fred Factor' by Mark Sanborn, complimentary accommodation at the Galt House Hotel and a financial award of $1,000 for the winner or $500 for the finalists. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.