BANFF – Veteran television director James Burrows will receive the 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 honourees including John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammar, Rick Mercer, and 2010 winner Ricky Gervais.
Best known as co-creator, executive producer and director of the award-winning series Cheers, Burrows has also received awards for his work on Will & Grace, Frasier, Friends, Wings, Night Court, Taxi, and Dear John. Throughout his distinguished career, Burrows has been the recipient of ten Emmy Awards, four Directors Guild of America Awards, and the 1996 American Comedy Awards’ Creative Achievement Award. He is currently at the helm of the new CBS hit comedy Mike and Molly.
Burrows will also be featured in a special Master Class, where he will reflect on his successes, and share insights gained during his years at the top of the industry.
"James Burrows is a giant in the industry, and we are honoured to welcome him to BANFF 2011," said Festival executive director Ferne Cohen, in the press release. "For decades, Mr. Burrows has quite literally shaped popular culture on television, and has been an inspiration and role model for countless emerging and established talents in the business. He is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Ustinov Award, and we are all looking forward to seeing a more intimate side of this colossal figure in his Master Class."
The 32nd annual Banff World Media Festival will take place June 12 – 15, 2011 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
