The British Comedy Awards is the one night in British television where no one takes themselves seriously, and it’s a night full of laughter and happiness. Jonathan Ross took over hosting duties again, and it proved that he is at his best when he is being offensive in some way. At this year’s ceremony, the big winners included Jack Whitehall, Paul Whitehouse, Lee Mack, Will Ferrell, and Steve Coogan.
Jack Whitehall was the night’s main attraction, winning Best TV Comedy Actor for Fresh Meat and the prestigious King of Comedy award, the latter being the only award voted for by the public. It seems fitting that he wins the award for the second year in a row, as this year he has been continuously working. He has had success with Fresh Meat, A League of Their Own, one of my personal favourites Bad Education, and he has now embarked on a new chat show project with his father Backchat with Jack Whitehall and his Dad. They are all brilliant, and it is clear that he was deserving of his awards and that there is more to come from him.
Fellow King of Comedy nominee Lee Mack was another success story of the night. Like Whitehall, he also won two awards. Both of his awards were linked with Would I Lie To You, winning Best Comedy Panel Show and Best Male TV Comic. Although I believe Lee Mack did deserve the award, as did Would I Lie To You, I wish A League Of Their Own and James Corden got some recognition.
Paul Whitehouse was another winner of two awards: Best Sketch Show for Harry and Paul and The Writer’s Guild for Great Britain Award. He is well deserving of the latter, due to him and comedy partner Harry Enfield being the creators of some of the most popular sketch shows in the last decade. Steve Coogan was also a recipient of one of the night’s biggest awards: the Outstanding Achievement Award. Although he has done other work along the way, with films like Philomena portraying his real acting talent, he will always be known as Alan Partridge. After the release of Alpha Papa earlier this year, it was unsurprising that he won this award.
However, the highlight of the whole night was Will Ferrell winning the British Comedy International Award. After the presentation of a montage of his memorable career moments, it was said that Ferrell couldn’t attend but his friend would accept it on his behalf. Behold… Ron Burgundy. With the retro red suit and infamous moustache and his usual straight hair permed, he proceeded into a hilarious monologue with him suggesting that Will Ferrell was not deserving of the award. It was the highlight in an already comical evening.
Overall, the British Comedy Awards was two hours of humour, shocks and pure brilliance. However, I think next year it should be mixed up a bit and not have Jack Whitehall win the main award for the third year. Instead, give it to Alan Carr, Graham Norton or, hopefully, The Last Leg host Adam Hills as an underdog.