Peter Ustinov award for comedy

Ricky Gervais is to receive yet another accolade for his mantelpiece: the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award.

The prize is handed out at the Banff World Television Festival each June to recognise outstanding comedy performances.

Previous winners include John Cleese, Bob Newhart, Barry Humphries and Kelsey Grammer.

‘This is probably the greatest honour of my career,’ Gervais said. ‘Only the Nobel Peace Prize can top this, but I will only accept that in person if the ceremony is held somewhere as beautiful as Banff. I think they Fedex, luckily.’

Peter Vamos, executive director of the festival, added: ‘We could think of no one funny man so deserving of this prestigious award this year, than Ricky Gervais.

‘The Office is the most critically acclaimed sitcom of all time and Gervais’s worldwide influence in the comedy industry is unparalleled.’

The festival takes place in the Canadian Rockies resort from June 13 to 16.

Published: 8 Feb 2010