Variety Names 10 Comics to Watch for 2022

variety.com:

Jenelle Riley Deputy Awards, Features EditorVariety has named its 10 Comics to Watch for 2022. This year’s honorees will be profiled in the July 20 issue of Variety and be honored at this year’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, held in Montreal July 13-31.

There will be a panel and cocktail reception held on July 29, followed by a performance showcase July 30.Variety has been presenting the 10 Comics to Watch list since 2000 and has included such names as Tiffany Haddish, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt and Quinta Brunson.The list is comprised of stand-up comedians, writers and content creators selected by a panel that includes Variety editors and those in the comedy community that scout, book, cast and represent comics.

Says Christine Walters, creative director, Just For Laughs ComedyPRO and ComedyCON: “We look forward to welcoming the hilarious new class of Variety 10 Comics to Watch in this, our 40th anniversary year of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.

The past few years have shown us how vital live comedy is to the human experience. We are so thrilled to be able to gather together again in person to celebrate this well-curated, gifted group of comics and creators.”Adds Steven Gaydos, senior VP global content/executive editor of Variety: “At a time when comedians are the topic of op-ed columns about their physical safety — thanks to the onstage violence against Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle — the questions of tone, topicality and that all-aways elusive line between hilarious and hurtful have never been louder.