New awards honour comedy films

A new awards scheme has been set up to honour the best comedy movies.

The US Comedy Arts Festival, held in Colorado from February, claims the Comedy Film Honours are the first awards of their type.

Categories will include best studio comedy, best independent comedy and best first-time director.

The awards will be presided over by an executive committee that includes Steve Martin (pictured), Billy Crystal, Barry Levinson, the Farrelly, Brothers and Jay Rocach.

Roach, whose directorial credits include Goldmember, said: "Funny movies look easy, sometimes, but a lot goes into the good ones. I'm glad to be part of an event that recognises artists who are making good comedic films."

The ninth US Comedy Arts Festival, sponsored by the HBO cable network, runs in Aspen, Colorado, from February 26 to March 2.

Published: 23 Dec 2002