Variety Returns to SXSW With Power of Comedy Event Featuring Samantha Bee, John Leguizamo, Nick Kroll, Lilly Singh and More
Variety’s annual Power of Comedy event will return to SXSW on March 8 at ACL Live featuring honorees Samantha Bee, John Leguizamo, Nick Kroll, Lilly Singh, Andrew Rannells, Hannah Einbinder, Pamela Adlon, Jaboukie Young-White, Robbie Praw, and Cazzie David. Variety Power of Comedy is part of the official SXSW Comedy lineup.
At the event, podcast host Samantha Bee will receive the Comedy Innovator Award, presented by Brooke Shields, recognizing her accomplishments as a comedian, TV host of the first late-night satire show hosted by a woman, and author.
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Robbie Praw will receive the Comedy Champion Award for his work as VP of Standup & Comedy Formats at Netflix. In that role, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of the comedy industry and has helped shape the careers of many successful comedians.
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells will receive the Comedy Duo Award in recognition of their work on “I Don’t Understand You,” which premieres at SXSW. Co-star Morgan Spector will present them with the award.
John Leguizamo will be honored with the Comedy Actor Award for his project “Bob Trevino Likes It,” which will premiere at SXSW. Leguizamo’s storied career in comedy also includes the film “To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar” and the “Ice Age” franchise, among others. Comedian Nick Thune will present him with the award.
Hannah Einbinder will receive the Comedy Actress Award, presented by legendary actress Jean Smart, for her work on “Hacks,” season three of which will premiere at SXSW.
Pamela Adlon will be honored with the Comedy Director Award for her work as director on the SXSW-premiering “Babes.” Adlon’s notable credits also include serving as the writer, director, executive producer, and star of the award-winning comedy series “Better Things.”
Lilly Singh will receive the inaugural Comedy Crossover Award for her evolution as a storyteller from YouTube creator to TV host, and now to actor, culminating in her upcoming role as co-writer, producer, and star of comedy film “Doin’ It” premiering at SXSW.
Jaboukie Young-White will receive the Comedy Connoisseur Award for his broad body of work including “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” “Rough Night,” “Only Murders In The Building,” numerous stand up performances, and more.
Cazzie David will be honored with the Breakthrough Artist Award for her work as a writer, director and actress in “I Love You Forever,” premiering at SXSW. Diablo Cody, Academy Award-winning writer and a producer on the film, will present her with the award.
“Last year Variety Power of Comedy at SXSW was such a hit in Austin that we are moving to a much larger venue,” said Dea Lawrence, Chief Operating and Marketing Officer, Variety. “We are excited to honor outstanding talent in comedy and congratulate all of our honorees.”
The event will be open to SXSW badge-holders (platinum, interactive, music and film & TV) on a first come, first served basis. Additional paid tickets are available for non-badge-holders here.
Wells Fargo and Liquid Death are official partners of the event.
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