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Billy T Award

New Zealand comedy award

Billy T Award
Summary

New Zealand comedy award

FieldValue
nameBilly T Award
locationSkyCity Auckland
awarded_forKiwi comedian with "outstanding potential" at the NZICF
presenterPrevious winner
most_nominationsJamie Bowen (4)
Benjamin Crellin (4)
sponsorNew Zealand Comedy Trust
countryNew Zealand
year
rewardNZ$5,000
websiteBilly T Award

Benjamin Crellin (4) The Billy T Award is a New Zealand comedy award recognising up-and-coming New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential. It has been presented annually since its inception in 1997 when Cal Wilson and Ewen Gilmour shared the award. The Billy T was shared between two comedians until 2001 when it became a solo award.

The Billy T Award is presented alongside the Fred Award as part of an initiative by the New Zealand Comedy Trust to "foster and encourage outstanding New Zealand talent".

Billy T James

The Billy T Awards were named in honour of New Zealand comedian Billy T. James. The winner receives ‘the yellow towel’ in tribute to the towel worn by James in some of his most famous sketches.

Judging

The winner is selected from five nominees performing during the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Five judges select a winner based on their proven comedic ability, talent, dedication and potential.

Winners and nominees

2001 and 2002 nominee [[Rhys Darby]]
2004 winner [[Ben Hurley
YearBilly T recipient(s)Other nominees
1997Cal Wilson, Dirty Bitch
Ewen Gilmour, Once Were WestiesMike King
Brendhan Lovegrove
Radar
Raybon Kan
1998Brendhan Lovegrove
Radar (Andrew Lumsden)
Sugar and Spice (Jonathan Brugh and Jason Hoyte)Philip Patston
Jaq Tweedie
1999Philip Patston
The Humourbeasts (Jemaine Clement and Taika Cohen)Paul Ego
Irene Pink
Jon Stubbs
2000Mike Loder
Paul Ego, CoolJan Maree, Chick With Skills
Irene Pink, Summertime With Irene
Benjamin Crellin, Midful
2001Jan Maree, It's In the Bagtitle=Comedy Festival 2000 - 2001url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/ephemera/id/4851/rec/1publisher=Auckland Council Librariesaccess-date=8 July 2025date=2001}}
Jon Stubbs
Benjamin Crellin
2002Dai Henwood, The Story of Funktitle=Comedy Festival 2002url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/ephemera/id/4512/rec/2publisher=Auckland Council Librariesaccess-date=7 July 2025date=2002}}
2003Justine Smith, The Justine Smith HourPenny Ashton, Dirty Pink
Sully O'Sullivan, Scriptless
Benjamin Crellin, Smacked Up
GARY (Brett O'Gorman, Jamie Bowen and Mick Andrews), Happy As Gary
2004Ben Hurley, Political and Stufftitle=Comedy Festival 2004url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/ephemera/id/6245/publisher=Auckland Council Librariesdate=2004}}
Jamie Bowen, Victim of Trend
Penny Ashton, Hot Pink Does Vegas
2005Sam Wills, Dance Monkey Dance: The Evolution of Sam Willstitle=Comedy Festival 2005url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/ephemera/id/6180/rec/1publisher=Auckland Council Librariesaccess-date=7 July 2025date=2005}}
2006Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, The Neverending CoriJames Nokise, White Club
Jerome Chandrahasen, Backpacker's Guide
Cameron Blair, Gifted
Gish (Justin Hansen), Solid Rolled Hits
2007Mrs Peacock (Jarrod Baker and Dave Smith), Rock 101Alex Hawley, Party On
Jamie Bowen, I Do These Things So You Don't Have To...
Grant Lobban
2008Steve Wrigley, The First Timetitle=Comedy Festival 2008url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/ephemera/id/6138/rec/1publisher=Auckland Council Librariesaccess-date=7 July 2025date=2008}}
2009Chris Brain, In a Better Placetitle=Jim Brown - A Legend In His Own Bathwaterurl=https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/jim-brown-a-legend-in-his-own-bathwater/website=Theatereviewaccess-date=8 July 2025}}
James Keating, Billbored
Vaughan King, Inventor
Dave Wiggins, I'm a Believer
2010Rhys Mathewson, Rhyspecttitle=JARRED FELL: Dangerous Ideas (NZ)url=https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/jarred-fell-dangerous-ideas-nzwebsite=Theatereviewaccess-date=8 July 2025}}
Clayton Carrick-Leslie, Bring It
Vaughan King, 0 to 20 in 60 Minutes
TJ McDonald, A Māori Ate My Great Granddad
2011Nick Gibb, Pakehas Be All Like Thistitle=The Truth According to Urzila Carlsonurl=https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/the-truth-according-to-urzila-carlson/#publisher=Theatreviewaccess-date=27 August 2023}}
Joseph Harper, Bikes I've Owned Versus Girls I've Fallen In Love With
Cameron Murray, Logical Oddity
Nick Rado, Rado & Juliet
2012Guy Williams, On the Verge of NothingTom Furniss, The Free Ice Cream Show
Tevita Manukia, Knock Knock
Rose Matafeo, Scout's Honour
TJ McDonald, My Life Has Been a Series of Poorly Made Decisions
2013Rose Matafeo, The Rose Matafeo Variety Hourlast1=Grenarfirst1=Ingridtitle=Pax – Pax’s Magic Carpet Ride – Reviewurl=https://keepingupwithnz.com/2013/05/16/pax-paxs-magic-carpet-ride-review/publisher=Keeping Up With NZaccess-date=27 August 2023date=16 May 2013}}
Tom Furniss, The Diary of Gordon Leaf-Cooper
Eli Matthewson, Proposition: Great!
Joseph Moore, Dope Ass Jokes
2014Guy Montgomery, Presents a Succinct and Concise Summary of How He Feels About Certain ThingsTim Batt, Tim Batt Saves Planet Earth
Brendon Green, Some More Mr Nice Guy
Jamaine Ross, Jamaine Says Funny Things
Stephen Witt, ODD
2015Hamish Parkinson, Fly or Dielast1=Wenleyfirst1=Jamestitle=Faith (Eli Matthewson) (NZ International Comedy Festival 2015)url=http://www.theatrescenes.co.nz/review-faith-eli-matthewson-nz-international-comedy-festival-2015/publisher=Theatre Scenesaccess-date=27 August 2023date=14 May 2015}}
Nic Sampson, National Treasure
Matt Stellingwerf, PsychoBabble
2016David Correos, Second Place Winnerauthor1=NZ Comedy Trusttitle=Laughing Mattersjournal=2016 NZ International Comedy Festival Programmedate=2016page=45url=https://issuu.com/nzcomedyfest/docs/2016_nzicf_auckland_programme_lr}}
Laura Daniel, Pressure Makes Diamonds
James Malcolm, Marry Me Chris Warner
Matt Stellingwerf, Bachelor of Arts
2017Angella Dravid, Down the Rabbit Holeurl=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/stage-and-theatre/85310163/Finalists-for-the-2017-Billy-T-Award-have-been-announcedtitle=Finalists for the 2017 Billy T Award have been announcedlast=first=date=13 October 2016website=Stuffpublisher=Fairfax Mediaaccess-date=14 November 2016}}
Ray O'Leary, A Pessimist's Guide to Optimism
Paul Williams, Summer Time Love
2018Melanie Bracewell, Melodramalast1=Sillsfirst1=Ethantitle=Comedy review: Donna Brookbanks, You Do You Babesurl=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/comedy-review-donna-brookbanks-you-do-you-babes/DU73SZLGWVPBNCI2QDMB6WJNAI/?c_id=1501119&objectid=12052604publisher=The New Zealand Heralddate=15 May 2018}}
James Malcolm, Fameless
Alice Snedden, Self Titled: Vol. II
Two Hearts (Laura Daniel & Joseph Moore), Two Hearts
2019Kura Forrester, Kura Shoulda Wouldaurl=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1905/S00292/and-the-winners-are-billy-t-and-fred-winners-announced.htmtitle = And the winners are... Billy T and FRED winners announced | Scoop News}}
2020No award festival cancelledtitle=2020 Comedy Fest Calendar - Wellington Showsurl=https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/news-feed/2020-comedy-fest-calendar-wellington-shows/publisher=NZ International Comedy Festivalaccess-date=26 August 2023date=26 February 2020}}
James Mustapic, James Mustapic Is Coming Out (From Under a Rock)
Ray O'Leary, Ray Against the Machine
Brynley Stent, Soft Carnage
Lana Walters, Problem Areas
2021Brynley Stent, Soft Carnagetitle=James Mustapicurl=https://frankmanagement.nz/james-mustapic/website=Frank Managementaccess-date=8 July 2025}}
Josh Davies, Look! I'm Blind
Lana Walters, Problem Areas
2023Abby Howells, La SoupcoGabby Anderson, Bad-ish Teacher
Jack Ansett, Are You Taking The Piss?
Janaye Henry, Crush Season
Maria Williams, ADHD...The Musical!?!
2024Lana Walters, Don't Lick Thattitle=Advait Kirtikar - New Show, Who Dis?url=https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/new-show-who-dis/publisher=NZICF}}
Rhiannon McCall, Toxic Shock Bimbo
Liv McKenzie, Crybaby
Tough Tiger Fist, Star-Crossed Brothers
2025Hoani Hotene, It’s Getting Hotene, So Tell Me All Your Jokestitle=David Stuart - The Immortal Legacy of Meurl=https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/the-immortal-legacy-of-me/publisher=NZICF}}
Itay Dom, Itay Phone Home
Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Rebellina
Booth the Clown/Jak Darling, Delightfool

Controversy

In 2003, Mike Loder was blacklisted from the 2004 festival after sending fake congratulatory letters to nominees Sully O’Sullivan and Penny Ashton. In 2005, Philip Patston, the 1999 winner who is gay and disabled, volunteered to give up his award in response to the rhetoric and policies of the National Party under Don Brash.

Trivia

  • Rhys Mathewson is the youngest recipient of the award at age 19.
  • Benjamin Crellin (2000–03) and Jamie Bowen (2002–04, 2007) share the record for most nominations (four).

References

References

  1. NZ On Air, Press Release: ‘New Zealand Laughs On Air’ 23/4/02.
  2. NZ International Comedy festival, Press Release: ‘2007 Billy T Nominees’ 16 January 2007
  3. "Cal Wilson". Token.
  4. "Comedy Festival 1995 - 1997". Auckland Council Libraries.
  5. "Bats Theatre: [Posters for productions at Bats Theatre. 1997]". National Library of New Zealand.
  6. (3 May 2010). "The Best of the Billys 2010".
  7. (2001). "Comedy Festival 2000 - 2001". Auckland Council Libraries.
  8. "Dai Henwood Presenter Biography". Johnson and Laird.
  9. (2002). "Comedy Festival 2002". Auckland Council Libraries.
  10. (2003). "Comedy Festival 2003". Auckland Council Libraries.
  11. (2004). "GUANO32".
  12. (2004). "Comedy Festival 2004". Auckland Council Libraries.
  13. (2005). "Comedy Festival 2005". Auckland Council Libraries.
  14. (2006). "Comedy Festival 2006". Auckland Council Libraries.
  15. (2007). "Comedy Festival 2007". Auckland Council Libraries.
  16. (13 May 2008). "NZ INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2008 AWARDS". Theatreview.
  17. (2008). "Comedy Festival 2008". Auckland Council Libraries.
  18. (25 May 2009). "CHRIS BRAIN and TE RADAR lead the field". Theatreview.
  19. "Jim Brown - A Legend In His Own Bathwater".
  20. "James Keating: Billbored".
  21. "Vaughan King: Inventor".
  22. "Dave Wiggins: I’m a Believer".
  23. "POST-ADOLESCENT MUSINGS AMUSE". Theatreview.
  24. "JARRED FELL: Dangerous Ideas (NZ)".
  25. "CLAYTON CARRICK-LESLIE: BRING IT (NZ)".
  26. (2010). "Vaughan King: 0 to 20 in 60 minutes (NZ)".
  27. "TJ McDONALD: A Mâori Ate My Great Granddad (NZ)".
  28. "Nick Gibb: Pakehas Be All Like This". Theatreview.
  29. "The Truth According to Urzila Carlson". Theatreview.
  30. "Cameron Murray In Logical Oddity". Theatreview.
  31. "Nick Rado in Rado and Juliet". Theatreview.
  32. "Guy Williams On the Verge of Nothing". NZ International Comedy Festival.
  33. (27 April 2013). "Comedy Festival 2013: Rose Matafeo". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  34. (16 May 2013). "Pax – Pax’s Magic Carpet Ride – Review". Keeping Up With NZ.
  35. (16 May 2013). "Tom Furniss – The Diary of Gordon Leaf-Cooper – Review". Keeping Up with NZ.
  36. (26 April 2013). "Comedy Festival 2013: Eli Matthewson". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  37. (14 May 2013). "Joseph Moore – Dope Ass Jokes – Review".
  38. (19 March 2014). "Interview – 2014 Billy T Nominees". Keeping Up With NZ.
  39. (18 May 2015). "Hamish Parkinson wins Billy T Award 2015". Keeping Up With NZ.
  40. (14 May 2015). "Faith (Eli Matthewson) (NZ International Comedy Festival 2015)". Theatre Scenes.
  41. (30 April 2015). "Nic Sampson: From Power Rangers to Jono and Ben". [[Stuff (website).
  42. (16 May 2016). "David Correos and Rhys Mathewson win at Last Laughs". Keeping Up With NZ.
  43. (2016). "Laughing Matters". 2016 NZ International Comedy Festival Programme.
  44. (7 March 2017). "Meet the 2017 Billy T Nominees".
  45. (13 October 2016). "Finalists for the 2017 Billy T Award have been announced". Fairfax Media.
  46. (15 May 2018). "Comedy review: Melanie Bracewell, Melodrama". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  47. (15 May 2018). "Comedy review: Donna Brookbanks, You Do You Babes". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  48. (15 May 2018). "Comedy review: A hit and miss hour with James Malcolm". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  49. "Comedy fest review: Alice Snedden in Self-titled: Volume II". The Ruminator.
  50. "Congratulations to the 2018 Billy T Award nominees". NZ International Comedy Festival.
  51. "2019 Comedy Fest Calendar - Wellington Shows". NZ International Comedy Festival.
  52. "And the winners are... Billy T and FRED winners announced | Scoop News".
  53. (26 February 2020). "2020 Comedy Fest Calendar - Wellington Shows". NZ International Comedy Festival.
  54. (14 October 2019). "Billy T Nominees for 2020 announced, Billy T Jams on sale now!". NZ International Comedy Festival.
  55. "James Mustapic".
  56. (10 May 2021). "A Quick and Dirty Look at the Comedy Fest!".
  57. "Lana WALTERS". Classic Comedy Network.
  58. "Billy T Nominees for 2020 Announced".
  59. (2 February 2023). "2023 Billy T Nominees Take To The Stage At Billy T Jams". Scoop.
  60. (25 May 2023). "Billy T 2023 nominees reviewed: Abby Howells, Gabby Anderson, Jack Ansett, Janaye Henry and Maria Williams". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  61. (26 May 2024). "Lana Walters, Barnie Duncan and Trygve Wakenshaw win top prizes at NZ International Comedy Festival". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
  62. "Advait Kirtikar - New Show, Who Dis?". NZICF.
  63. "Rhiannon McCall - Toxic Shock Bimbo". NZICF.
  64. "Liv McKenzie - Crybaby". NZICF.
  65. "Tough Tiger Fist - Star-Crossed Brothers". NZICF.
  66. Sills, Ethan. (2025-05-25). "NZ's top comedians named: Meet the winners of prestigious Fred and Billy T awards".
  67. "David Stuart - The Immortal Legacy of Me". NZICF.
  68. "Itay Dom - Itay Phone Home". NZICF.
  69. "Lesa McLeod-Whiting - Rebellina". NZICF.
  70. "Booth the Clown/Jak Darling - Delightfool". NZICF.
  71. Richardson, Amie, ‘Prank-pulling comedian finds the joke’s on him,’ (Sunday Star Times: 1/6/03)
  72. Scoop.co.nz, press release: ‘Eradicate me: gay and disabled comedian,’ 30/10/05.
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