"The Comedy Awards" Announces Talent And Presenters For "The Comedy Awards" 2012 Ceremony

NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Comedy Awards," the annual event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the world of comedy, today announced talent scheduled to attend the April 28 ceremony, including the first announced presenters of the 2012 "Comedy Awards" which include Chris Rock, Will Arnett, Tracy Morgan, Maya Rudolph, Adam Scott and the previously announced Jon Stewart, who will present Don Rickles with the "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence."

Joining Rickles on comedy's biggest night will be Robin Williams, who will receive the "Stand-Up Icon" award will be some of the biggest names in the genre including Hannibal Buress, Ty Burrell, Louis C.K., Chevy Chase, Paul Feig, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Annie Mumolo, Amber Nash, Jim O'Heir, Chris Parnell, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, The Gregory Brothers, Aisha Tyler and Kristen Wiig.  Additional names will be released later this week.

"The Comedy Awards," now in its second year, is dedicated to celebrating the art of comedy with an historic, one-night-only celebration honoring the most talented writers, directors, actors and stand-ups, who provided the laugh track to our lives this past year.  The ceremony will take place at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, April 28 and premiere on COMEDY CENTRAL on Sunday, May 6. "The Comedy Awards" also will air on COMEDY CENTRAL's international channels across Europe, New Zealand, India, Israel and Africa.

A full list of previously announced nominees for the 2012 "The Comedy Awards" and more information about the show and its prestigious Board of Directors can be found at www.thecomedyawards.com.  "Modern Family," "Bridesmaids," "30 Rock," "Crazy, Stupid, Love." and Louis C.K. lead the nominations and fans can vote for "Breakout Performer of the Year."  Previously, Robin Williams was announced as the recipient of the prestigious "Stand-Up Icon" award and Don Rickles will be honored with the "Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence," both of which will be presented during this year's ceremony.  A complete list of the nominees for the digital categories can also be found at www.thecomedyawards.com.  This year fans cast the votes for Best Viral Original on "The Comedy Awards" page on YouTube (www.youtube.com/ComedyAwards).  Click here to view a highlight reel from last year's show.  Follow "The Comedy Awards" on Twitter @TheComedyAwards.

"The Comedy Awards" is led by its Board of Directors, which include such luminaries as: Carol Burnett, James Burrows, Greg Cavic, Stephen Colbert, James Dixon, Budd Friedman, Jim Gosnell, Rick Greenstein, Brad Grey, Caroline Hirsch, Sharon Jackson, Blair Kohan, Martin Lesak, Steve Levine, Jamie Masada, Adam McKay, Jimmy Miller, Conan O'Brien, Peter Principato, Joan Rivers, Jay Roach, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Rory Rosegarten, Michael Rotenberg, George Schlatter, Mitzi Shore, David Steinberg, Jon Stewart, Lily Tomlin, Sandy Wernick and Geof Wills.

"The Comedy Awards" has once again joined forces with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to endow The American Comedy Fund.  Without a union or other protection, many comedians face unique challenges to succeed and survive.  The Fund provides much-needed financial assistance, health benefits and other resources for comedians across the country during times of need, crisis or transition.  The American Comedy Fund is administered by EIF in collaboration with the Motion Picture & Television Fund and The Actors Fund.

Don Mischer, Casey Patterson, EVP, Event Production, Viacom Entertainment Group and Charlie Haykel are the Executive Producers.  Juliane Hare is Producer.  Beth McCarthy Miller, the Peabody and DGA Award-winning and Emmy-nominated Director, will once again direct "The Comedy Awards."  "The American Comedy Awards" was created by George Schlatter.

SOURCE COMEDY CENTRAL Corporate Communications