NZ International Comedy Festival Awards: Honouring Aotearoa’s Brightest Comedy Talent

Last night at At Last Laughs!, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo celebrated another year of laughs and brilliance, presenting the annual New Zealand Comedy Trust awards for 2025.

The prestigious Billy T Award, which recognises the most promising emerging New Zealand comedian, saw five talented nominees: Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Itay Dom, and Lesa MacLeod-Whiting. Hoani Hotene took home the coveted Yellow Towel and a $5,000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust.

The Fred Award, Aotearoa comedy’s highest accolade for Best New Zealand Show, was contested by Abby Howells (Welcome to my Dream), Angella Dravid (I'm Happy for You), and Melanie Bracewell (A Little Treat). Angella Dravid emerged as the winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a $5,000 cash prize.

Additional winners included:

• Festival Director's Choice 2025: Johanna Cosgrove (Sweetie)

• Best International 2025: Elouise Eftos (Australia's Most Attractive Comedian) & Rosco McClelland (Sudden Death)

• Best Newcomer Auckland 2025: Sean Collier (Write Off)

• Best Newcomer Wellington 2025: Liv Ward (EPIC WAY! I'm Gay? Oui oui faguette™ I LOVE KIM HILL (1999 version)) & Mo Munn (Is it off?)

Congratulations to all winners and nominees for another exceptional year of Aotearoa comedy!

For updates and full festival details, visit comedyfestival.co.nz.