BEYOND THE MIC
AWARD
This award celebrates a comedian who’s taken their talent beyond the mic and made a powerful impact in the broader entertainment industry.
ENTRY CRITERIA:
Are you a performer who has stepped off the stand-up stage to achieve something truly exceptional, an accomplishment that commands respect, inspires peers, and makes the entire comedy community proud to say, “That’s one of ours.”
It’s not about touring a comedy show overseas, it’s about going beyond the mic and making a mark that elevates South African comedians on the global stage.
Qualifying Conditions:
- Open to comedians who are actively working in the comedy industry and are recognised for their work as stand-up comedians.
- You must have achieved something significant outside of stand-up, between November 2023 and November 2025 (in the last two years).
- The achievement should have had national or international recognition and contributed meaningfully to the visibility or prestige of South African comedians.
- Entry Limit: You may submit a maximum of two entries, each corresponding to a specific achievement. For example, one entry could be for a significant writing accomplishment, and another for a major acting role. Each entry must be tied to a distinct achievement, as the award will be granted for that particular accomplishment.
This can include, but is not limited to:
- Writing for a feature film, television series, or stage production that has achieved national or international success.
- Starring in a feature film, television series, or stage production that has received critical acclaim or significant audience recognition.
- Hosting or producing an award-winning television, radio, or digital show that’s captured audiences locally or abroad.
- Creating or writing for international platforms such as Netflix, Comedy Central, MultiChoice or global talk shows.
- Producing or directing creative work that has elevated South African storytelling or comedy to new audiences.
- Collaborating on global entertainment projects that position South African comedy as a world-class export.
What to Submit
- Specific Achievement Details.
- A description of the achievement(s) being submitted (max 250 words per entry) including an impact summary (National or international reach, contribution to the visibility or prestige of South African comedians, influence on the broader entertainment industry.
- Clearly indicate whether this entry is for:
- A writing accomplishment (film, TV, stage, digital), or
- A performance/acting accomplishment (film, TV, stage), or
- Hosting/producing an award-winning show, or
- Any other significant contribution outside stand-up.
- Supporting Evidence:
- Links to work examples (trailer, clip, full episode, performance footage, or production samples). Screenshots, press coverage, awards, nominations, or other proof of national or international recognition.
What the industry’s looking for when judging:
- A comedian who has achieved something truly outstanding beyond the mic.
- Work that has had significant impact, locally or globally.
- A creator whose success reflects positively on the South African comedy landscape and its growing influence.