BANFF – Tony Award-winning American actor Nathan Lane will receive the prestigious Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at this year’s Banff World Media Festival.
The award recognizes a creative talent that has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include Ricky Gervais, Tracey Ullman, Chuck Lorre, Martin Short, and 2013 winner Craig Ferguson.
Over the past four decades, Lane’s diverse career has spanned television, film, and theatre. Though he began in stand-up comedy, Lane quickly parlayed his comedic voice into memorable Broadway roles including Bad Habits, Love! Valour! Compassion!, and his two Tony Award-winning turns in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Producers. His big mainstream break came in 1996 with The Birdcage, co-starring Robin Williams. This scene-stealing performance led to many guest appearances on television, including Emmy Award-nominated roles on Frasier, Mad About You, Modern Family, and The Good Wife.
“Nathan Lane is an incredibly beloved and accomplished comedic performer,” said Festival executive director Ferne Cohen, in the news release. “We are so pleased to have him at Banff and look forward to honouring him with the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award during this year’s Rockies.”
Lane will accept the honour at the annual Rockie Awards Gala taking place on Tuesday, June 10. He will also be featured in a one-on-one interview at Banff, giving delegates an unprecedented opportunity to hear directly from the remarkable performer about his celebrated career.
The 35nd annual Banff World Media Festival will take place June 8-11 2014 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
