True reflection of comedic talent

South Africa’s comedic talent is being acknowledged in a big way as the nominees are announced for the 6th annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards 2016.

“It’s a true reflection of the comedic talent in the country,” said prominent comedian on the South African comedy scene, Nina Hastie.

There are only 10 awards up for grabs and it really has the world of South African comedy reeling. While garnering an award is nothing less than impressive, this one is extra special in the industry because it’s a time where the comedians get to acknowledge each other.

“The comedians vote for each other, hence the Comics Choice Awards, and it’s a platform where the industry gets to recognise each other. The comedians who are nominated really deserve it because we are voted for by each other,” Hastie continued.

Last year, two new award categories were introduced – The Non-English Award and The Best Friend of Comedy Award. This year sees the return of The Breakthrough Award – now awarded to any act in any category that has made a significant breakthrough during the course of the past 12 months.

While these awards are predominantly voted for by other comedians, there is a category for audiences to decide on their favourites.

Casper De Vries has been dubbed a pioneer in South African comedy, with a career spanning TV, film and stage, and it is for this reason he’s been lauded as the Lifetime Achiever this year.

One of the 2015 Comics’ Choice Awards Lifetime Achievers, Mark Banks, commented, “The award is voted on by the industry, so it’s always quite nice to know people like your work.”

The awards ceremony is set for 3 September.