In thrilling information for comedy followers in every single place, the Golden Globes added a stand-up comedy award to their 2024 present for Finest Efficiency in Stand-Up Comedy on Tv. That is the primary time a significant award present (aka an award present I’d really watch) has devoted an award solely to stand-up.
The Globes will select six nominees from the 2023 calendar 12 months for the 2024 award present.
Nevertheless, as I attempted to brainstorm my picks, I spotted my private decisions and my predictions for the Hollywood International Press Affiliation’s decisions weren’t the identical. So, I figured it was time to introduce the primary annual Kimberly Aguirre Comedy Awards. The Aguirre Finest Stand-Up class may even choose six nominees inside the calendar 12 months.
For transparency’s sake, right here’s what the esteemed panel of judges (me) will think about: Storytelling — Is there a bigger arc to the particular? Did the present’s construction higher the comedy?; Memorability — Have been there moments that caught out from the present? Will the present depart a long-lasting impression on the world of comedy?; and, most significantly, silliness — Was it humorous?
With out additional ado, listed below are the nominees for Finest Stand-Up Particular.
“Mae Martin: SAP”
This particular excels in all classes considered. Of their 70 minutes, Martin crafts a good narrative, with natural-feeling callbacks and the proper ratio of comedy to severe subject material. Martin’s particular appears like a late night time with a buddy, while you share your deepest secrets and techniques but additionally can’t cease laughing.
An ideal instance of Martin’s talent in balancing comedy and essential matters is once they talk about gender. They handle to make it each humorous through the use of a “Magnificence and the Beast” Lumière analogy whereas additionally calling out the rise of transphobia amongst well-established comedians within the trade.
“Nate Bargatze: Hiya World”
Regardless that “Hiya World” was the primary particular I watched in 2023, it nonetheless makes me chuckle trying again — main memorability factors. Bargatze additionally excels in silliness factors. The native Tennessean is understood for always making himself the butt of the joke, commenting on how dumb he’s. Whereas his “dumb” schtick isn’t one thing new, Bargatze pulls it off with such a allure that I can’t assist however love him.
What’s majorly spectacular about Bargatze is he’s a “clear” comedian — no swears or sexual jokes. Though he’s of a sure demographic of comics who are likely to depend on shock worth for laughs, begging to be canceled a la Jimmy Carr and Ricky Gervais, he by no means resorts to this. It’s straightforward to spew off a bunch of hate and take a budget laughs, nevertheless it’s extremely arduous to refill an hour with family-friendly jokes.
“Bob The Drag Queen: Woke Man in a Costume”
Bob’s particular can not really be nominated for the Golden Globes. The necessities state tasks on private social media accounts don’t qualify. Bob, being ever so beneficiant, put her particular on YouTube for all individuals to get pleasure from. On the Aguirre Awards, we honor her dedication to bringing comedy to all.
She’s unimaginable at crowd work, ceaselessly incorporating the viewers into the set, making it really feel extra informal and cozy. General, Bob has an infectious character. When she laughs, you are feeling like laughing. Some prime moments embrace ragging on anti-vaxxers and utilizing the household laptop within the web’s early days. Additionally, she speaks in protection of lesbians! We love!