Visual Comedy Award
The Golden Baz Award
Celebrating Excellence, Humanity and Generosity in Comedy Writing
In 2026, Slapstick Festival proudly launched The Golden Baz Award, a new annual honour celebrating outstanding achievement in comedy writing and commemorating the life and legacy of the much-loved writer and performer Barry Cryer OBE.
Known affectionately to friends and colleagues as “Baz”, Barry was one of the most admired figures in British comedy. Across a remarkable career spanning more than sixty years, he wrote for countless comedians, performers and programmes, helping shape the landscape of British entertainment while earning a reputation for extraordinary warmth, kindness and generosity.
The Award
The Golden Baz Award recognises writers whose work reflects the qualities Barry embodied throughout his life: originality, wit, humanity, generosity of spirit and a lifelong commitment to making people laugh.
At the heart of the award is a specially commissioned golden figurine inspired by the distinctive Aardman Animations model created when Barry received the Aardman Slapstick Comedy Legend Award. Joyful, playful and unmistakably Barry, it serves as a fitting tribute to one of comedy’s most treasured figures.
Looking Ahead
Developed by Slapstick Festival in partnership with Barry’s family and friends, the Golden Baz Award aims to become one of the most respected honours in British comedy.
Above all, it celebrates not just great comedy writing, but the generosity, humanity and joy that Barry Cryer brought to every stage, studio, dressing room and conversation throughout his life.
Because, as Barry showed us, making people laugh is one of the most valuable gifts of all.
2026: Armando Iannucci
Inaugural Recipient: The first Golden Baz Award was presented to acclaimed writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci.
Few contemporary writers have had a greater influence on modern comedy. From The Day Today and I’m Alan Partridge to The Thick of It, Veep, The Death of Stalin and The Personal History of David Copperfield, Armando’s work combines intelligence, originality and humanity in a way that perfectly reflects the spirit of the award.
As a writer, creator, mentor and champion of new talent, he embodies the values that Barry held dear and sets the standard for future recipients of the Golden Baz Award.