The 2025 Just For Laughs awards in Montreal saw comedian Ryan Reynolds take the stage to honor his fellow Wrexham AFC owner Rob McElhenney with the Generation Award. Reynolds, known for his role in the Deadpool franchise, delivered a series of humorous jabs during his tribute, showcasing the playful spirit of the event.
Reflecting on McElhenney’s accomplishments, Reynolds quipped, “Rob, second place to the lifetime achievement award, amazing,” following the presentation of a lifetime achievement trophy to comedian George Wallace. This playful roast set the tone for a night filled with laughter and heartfelt recognition.
Reynolds emphasized the importance of character in Hollywood, stating, “Hollywood can be an insipid shithouse of round-the-clock shamelessness,” and praised McElhenney’s dedication and talent. “Nobody does 17 seasons of a television show with the same cast and crew and also happens to be a dick,” he remarked, referring to McElhenney’s role on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He added, “Without Rob, there would be no donkey series called Welcome to Wrexham.”
When McElhenney joined Reynolds on stage, he shared his journey into comedy, describing the fear and loneliness he felt at the beginning of his career. “I’m here because of Ryan Reynolds, who not only took my career in the stratosphere but also flew here to give this to me,” he expressed, acknowledging his support and the impact of the comedy community. McElhenney received a standing ovation from the audience, illustrating the camaraderie within the industry.
Celebrating Comedy and Diversity
The atmosphere at the awards show, hosted by Matthew Broussard, was electric, with comedians sharing personal anecdotes and insights into their craft. Benito Skinner, known for his online persona Benny Drama, was awarded the breakout comedy star of the year. He humorously recounted his start in comedy, stating, “I still avoid eye contact with comedians, and I think you should too. We are all mentally ill.”
This year’s awards also highlighted the achievements of rising stars in the industry. Hannah Berner, who won the rising comedy star award, credited Just For Laughs for boosting her confidence. “JFL has been so incredible to me and to all the comics who took me under their wings,” she said while receiving her award at the MTelus theater.
The duo of Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin received the podcast of the year award for their show Handsome, aimed at LGBTQ+ audiences. Martin emphasized the significance of representation in comedy, remarking, “For our community, representation is still very much needed and wanted.”
A Tribute to Legends
The evening also recognized the legendary George Wallace, who received a lifetime achievement award for his nearly five decades in comedy. With trademark charm, Wallace reflected on his career, joking, “That means you’ve been around for a while and know a few things. And I know a few things.” He humorously acknowledged the help of his five agents, quipping about their dedication.
The Just For Laughs comedy festival continues through to March 17, 2025, celebrating the rich tapestry of comedic talent and the stories that bring laughter to audiences worldwide. The event serves as a reminder of the vital role humor plays in navigating life’s challenges, uniting performers and fans alike in shared joy.