For the first time, the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) will present Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch, bringing the annual industry spotlight on emerging comedic talent into the festival’s official programming. The presentation and showcase will take place on Nov. 12 during the festival, which runs from Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 15. This year’s honorees will also be featured in Variety’s Nov. 4 issue ahead of the live presentation.
Since 2000, Variety has been selecting standout comedians for their 10 Comics to Watch franchise. Past honorees include comedy titans such as Wanda Sykes, Nate Bargatze, Patton Oswalt, Fred Armisen and Zach Galifianakis as well as more recent breakouts such as Ayo Edebiri, Hannah Einbinder, Caleb Hearon and Julio Torres.
The New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) is the largest and longest-running annual comedy festival in the United States. Over its 21-year history, the NYCF has stayed true to its mission — spotlighting the very best in comedy through a bold and diverse slate of programming. Beyond stand-up, the festival offers an eclectic mix of sketch and improv performances, panel discussions, intimate conversations with comedy legends, talent competitions, star-studded fundraising galas, film screenings, live podcast tapings, interactive partner activations and much more. Founded by comedy legend Caroline Hirsch in 2004, the NYCF has brought together the country’s top comedians including Judd Apatow, Bill Burr, Margaret Cho, Louis C.K., Larry David, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Nick Kroll, Bill Maher, Trevor Noah, Conan O’Brien, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Tracy Morgan and many others to venues throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
