The 2025 Just for Laughs awards celebrated the comedic arts in Montreal on March 15, 2025, with a night filled with humor, tributes, and some light-hearted ribbing. Among the highlights was actor and producer Ryan Reynolds, who honored his friend and fellow Wrexham AFC owner Rob Mac with the Generation Award.
Reynolds took the stage following the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to comedian George Wallace. In his tribute, he did not hold back on the playful banter typical of the event. “Rob, second place to the lifetime achievement award, amazing,” he remarked, prompting laughter from the audience.
In a reflection on the entertainment industry, Reynolds described Hollywood as “an insipid shithouse of round-the-clock shamelessness.” He emphasized the importance of authenticity and dedication among creatives, stating, “You have to be willing to be excited to grind and push a dream up a hill.” He praised Mac for exemplifying these qualities, highlighting his impressive 17-season run on the show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. “Nobody does 17 seasons of a television show with the same cast and crew and also happens to be a dick,” Reynolds quipped.
When Mac joined Reynolds on stage, he revealed his journey into comedy was driven by deep personal fears. He shared, “Inside of me was a terrified little boy who feels very alone.” This sentiment resonated with many in the audience, as he acknowledged the support he received from Reynolds, stating, “I’m here because of Ryan Reynolds, who not only took my career into the stratosphere but also flew here to give this to me.” Mac also expressed gratitude towards his wife Kaitlin Olson, the city of Wrexham, and various supporters in his career.
The event was hosted by comedian Matthew Broussard, who kept the atmosphere lively with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Notable winners included Benito Skinner, who received the Breakout Comedy Star of the Year award. Skinner, known for his online persona Benny Drama, humorously admitted to still avoiding eye contact with comedians, saying, “We are all mentally ill.”
Similarly, Hannah Berner, recipient of the Rising Comedy Star award, expressed her appreciation for Just for Laughs, crediting it with boosting her confidence early in her career. “JFL has been so incredible to me and to all the comics who took me under their wings,” she said while holding her trophy on stage at the MTelus theater.
In a poignant moment, Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin accepted the Podcast of the Year award for their offering aimed at LGBTQ+ audiences. Martin remarked, “This means a lot to me, because I’m Canadian,” while Feimster highlighted the ongoing need for representation in the comedy community.
As the night drew to a close, George Wallace captivated the audience with his charm during his acceptance speech for the lifetime achievement award. With a career spanning nearly five decades, he quipped, “That means you’ve been around for a while and know a few things. And I know a few things.” He humorously acknowledged his five agents present, joking, “They spent more money coming up here than they make for me.”
The Just for Laughs festival, which began earlier in the week, continues through Sunday, promising more performances and celebrations of humor from various comedic talents. The event showcases the vibrancy and resilience of the comedy industry, while also emphasizing the importance of community and support among comedians.
