'Hybrid' Just For Laughs festival will honour Dave Chappelle, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Bowen Yang
The Just For Laughs festival in Montreal is just around the corner and this year, organizers are presenting what they call a "hybrid" festival, blending live shows both online and in-person from Montreal, New York City and Los Angeles.
Officials state this decision was made "to adhere to travel restrictions" due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, "without compromising the quality of Just For Laughs’ world-class programming."
Just For Laughs will once again be partnering with actor Kevin Hart's comedy company, Laugh Out Loud (LOL), featuring appearances and performances by numerous stars including Dave Chappelle, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and more.
"We’re starting to come out of what was a really hard time for our comedy community,” said Bruce Hills, Just For Laughs president. “We’re honouring comedy storytellers who entertained and inspired us.”
This year, the Just For Laughs Awards Show will be aired online and available to stream for free.
"Don't miss this unfiltered appreciation of the people who shone brightest this year, honoured by the people who know them best … their friends, colleagues, fellow comics and some special surprise guests," the festival teases. "In a year that saw many hardships, JFL and friends pay tribute to these very deserving honorees who made a significant impact in the world of comedy."
Among this year's award recipients are Dave Chappelle (Comedy Person of the Year), Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (Comedy Writers of the Year), Bill Lawrence and Jason Sudeikis on behalf of the team behind Ted Lasso (Comedy Series of the Year) and Bowen Yang (Breakout Comedy Star of the Year).
Fan-favourites are also still on the agenda, including The Nasty Show, The Alternative Show and Comedy Night in Canada.
The event will also feature webcast stand-up shows, the New Faces series, Bell Media TV tapings, JFL Originals tapings, Variety's 10 Comics to Watch, Eat My Shorts, Stand Up & Pitch and more.
Free outdoor festivities are planned in the heart of downtown Montreal at the Quartier des spectacles.
"As indicated by public health, it is necessary to reserve a ticket to attend outdoor shows in order to ensure a safe experience for all festivalgoers," organizers state.
The Just for Laughs festival is running from July 26 to 31. For the full schedule, go to hahaha.com
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.