Awards
Each year, the MICF ends its Melbourne run by recognising the most outstanding shows and performers with a series of awards. The most prestigious of these is the Barry Award, which recognises the most outstanding show of the festival. Also introduced in 1998 was the Piece of Wood Award, the comics' choice award.
Melbourne Airport sponsors the Best Newcomer Award, which is presented to the festival's best first-time performer, as a part of its Emerging Talent Program. The winner receives a trip to the Brighton comedy festival in the UK. The Age Critics' Award is presented to the best local act as selected by reviewers at Melbourne newspaper and festival sponsor The Age. The Golden Gibbo, which is named in honour of Australian comedian Lynda Gibson, celebrates a local, independent act that "bucks trends and pursues the artist's idea more strongly than it pursues any commercial lure". The newest award, the Directors' Choice, has been presented since 2005 and recognises an outstanding show that missed out on any other prize. It is awarded by the MICF director, in consultation with other visiting festival directors.
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