The Andy Kaufman Award™ Backgrounder
Andy Kaufman's death from lung cancer at age 35 shocked and stunned both the entertainment industry and the public. His apparently sudden, dramatic and final departure from public life on May 16, 1984, was met with both sorrow and disbelief. In keeping with Kaufman's persona and previous performance antics, the disbelief surrounding Andy's death took on a life of its own, perpetuating his legacy in a somewhat unique way. Speculation surrounding the possibility that Kaufman staged his own death continues today as a popular legend.
History of The Award
Kaufman's family, however, wanted to preserve Andy's legacy in a more enduring way. Kaufman's father, Stanley Kaufman, considered a university scholarship that would bear Andy Kaufman's name and encourage promising performing arts students. This was eventually deemed unsatisfactory because, while supporting students in the performing arts, the scholarship would not bring the wide-spread visibility and lasting recognition to the Andy Kaufman name that was so important to the elder Kaufman and his family.
In 2004, the idea for an annual award in Kaufman's name was created and, with the help of his lifelong manager George Shapiro, came to fruition 20 years after Kaufman's passing. The inaugural Andy Kaufman Award Show, hosted by actor/comedian Richard Belzer, took place on November 11, 2004, at Caroline's Comedy Club in New York. The original goal of The Andy Kaufman Award, to recognize original new talent in the spirit of the comic legend, remains its driving philosophy.
The Award Criteria
The Andy Kaufman Award is a showcase for promising cutting-edge artists with fresh and unconventional material, for those who are willing to take risks with an audience, and for those who do not define themselves by the typical conventions of comedy. It seeks to recognize a performer who lives and works outside the ordinary, as Kaufman did. Although labeled a comedian, Kaufman referred to himself alternately as a performance artist and song-and-dance-man. He was interested in provoking a variety of responses from his audience. Frequently, Kaufman would lead an audience through laughter, confusion, disbelief, anger, delight, misunderstanding and bewilderment, all within a single act. The criteria for The Andy Kaufman Award is consistent with his legacy, and is comprised of the elements of originality, creativity, spirit and execution.
The Program
The Andy Kaufman Award is structured as a nation-wide talent competition. Contestants submit DVD's of their original performance material, and post their videos on YouTube.com. Contestants' entry submissions are then viewed on the official website, www.theandykaufmanaward.com. A panel of industry judges reviews all submissions, selecting a group of the most promising as semi-finalists. The semi-finalists are invited to perform in New York before a live audience and panel of industry judges. The six most promising artists are then selected to perform in The Andy Kaufman Award Show at Caroline's before a live audience and judges. Specific details of the entry process including official rules are available on www.theandykaufmanaward.com.
The Award
A single winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500.00, a personalized artistic memento commemorating the event, exposure to entertainment industry professionals (agents, managers, casting directors, booking agents, media and journalists), post-event publicity (nationwide press release and media interviews as available), a featured position in The Winners Hall of Fame on the website www.theandykaufmanaward.com and stage time at Caroline's.
Previous Winners
2009: Blaine Kneece
Upcoming creative Performance Artist who blew the judges away with his absurdist film integrated into his live performance. Blaine uses multi media applications in his act usually in the form of preiously produced films that tie into his on-stage routine.
2007: Brent Weinbach
Weird, physical and absurdist comedy. Creator and star of the SuperDeluxe.com web series, "Weinbach in Wonderland." Has performed at numerous comedy festivals.
2006: Reggie Watts
International touring comedian with an eclectic mix of music and cultural anthropology, recently selling out all ten shows of the 2009 Sydney Festival. Has produced original broadband series for ComedyCentral.com.
2005: Kristen Schaal
Off-beat comic performance artist, starring in the acclaimed HBO series "Flight of the Conchords," Schaal credits the award as the major catalyst for her now successful career. Won HBO's "Best Alternative Comedian" award.
2004: Suzanne Whang
Wacky Korean character performer, politically incorrect, stars in HGTV's series "House Hunters," Whang was also recognized as the "Best Up-and-Coming Comedian" in Las Vegas.
For more information about these winners, please visit their pages in the Winners Hall of Fame.
Contact: Al Parinello
Executive Director
201-675-6897
AlParinello@Gmail.com