'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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.