TOSketchFestBlog

Seven people, the 2022 Best of the fest Award winners and host, pose for a photo under an illuminated sign that reads “Candy Bar”.

TOSketchfest22 Best of the Fest Award Winners

On Thursday, June 23, we presented a LIVE and IN PERSON the Best of the Fest Award Show at The Fox Theatre, celebrating the best of TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition with $1500 in cash prizes.

Hosted by 2020 Best of the Fest winner Laura Ramoso, the Best of the Fest Award Show featured a screening of the nominated work, plus award presentations for The Outstanding Comedy Short Award presented by CBC, The Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award, The Audience Choice Awards, and The Best of the Fest Award, presented by Church + State.

 

And the Winners Are . . .

 

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SHORT – Presented by CBC

Habib – The First Arab Superhero by Wishful Genies

The Outstanding Comedy Short Award, presented by CBC, traditionally honours one standout festival entry from the TOSketchFest Film Festival. The 2022 Award honoured the standout selected work from TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition.

Rob Michaels and Fady Ghali of Wishful Genies accept the Outstanding Comedy Short Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

Rob Michaels and Fady Ghali of Wishful Genies accept the Outstanding Comedy Short Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

While audiences were laughing from home during TOSketchFest’s online screenings, they were asked to smash the blue button to vote for their favourites for the Audience Choice Awards. With over 100 shorts from around the world, we were not going to make them choose just one, which is why we have two Audience Choice Awards: one for Comedy Short, and one for Featured or Long Form Work.

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD – COMEDY SHORT 

Every Freelance Conversation by Anesti Danelis

Anesti Danelis is a Fringe Festival favourite, a viral sensation with over eight million likes on TikTok, and is also the reigning Sketchiest Sketch Troupe winner.

Anesti Danelis accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

Anesti Danelis accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

AUDIENCE CHOICE WARD – LONG FORM

Everything But ChroFATica by Hillary Yaas

Hillary Yaas had originally applied to the festival with their full length musical drag show ChroFatica, but when the festival moved online they compiled a 10 minute digital feature full of drag, cute outfits, music parodies and truly unique fun!

Hillary Yaas accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

Hillary Yaas accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

STEAM WHISTLE PRODUCERS’ PICK

Joy Provision

Joy Provision came together during the pandemic to produce digital work that embodied the spirit of live sketch comedy with that endearing DIY drive. They are fierce community supporters who have since made a splash on stage in Toronto and Montreal.

Rena Taylor. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

Rena Taylor accepts the Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award on behalf of Joy Provision. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

BEST OF THE FEST – Presented by Church + State

Only A Beer Can by Donny Crosswell

 

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the 2022 Festival! We will see you all again IN PERSON in March 2023 for the 18th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.