NEW YORK – The Comedy Awards, organized by Comedy Central and its parent MTV Networks, on Monday unveiled the creation of the Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence, named after the long-time host of NBC’s The Tonight Show.
It will serve as the highest honor at what is scheduled to become an annual celebration of the best in the comedy business.
“The award will be presented annually in honor of the legendary comedian and talk show host to an individual who embodies the comedic excellence of the renowned and beloved comedic powerhouse,” MTV Networks said in a statement.
“Johnny Carson is one of the biggest legends not only in comedy, but all of entertainment,” said Casey Patterson, executive producer and executive vp event production at the MTV Networks Entertainment Group. “Having this award as part of our show sets the precedent of the premiere film, television and comedic talent that The Comedy Awards will honor each year and is fitting with Johnny’s legacy and love of the comedy community.”
The first recipient will either be named in the coming weeks or at the awards show itself. The show will take place here on March 26, with the telecast set for April 10. The Comedy Awards will air across multiple MTV Networks channels, including Comedy Central, Spike TV, VH1, CMT, TV Land, Logo and Nick At Nite.
30 Rock topped the nominations for the inaugural Comedy Awards with seven nominations.
