Comedy Awards shortlists announced

The nominees have been announced for this year's British Comedy Awards.

The Office and Phoenix Nighs dominate the shortlist, with three mentions apiece.

But this year is the first time that there has been no award for live stand-up comedy, despite a number of high-profile tours from Peter Kay, Lee Evans and others. When the awards started in 1990, there were four awards for stage work.

Winners will be announced at a televised ceremony on December 14, again hosted by Jonathan Ross. Jack Dee will host a countdown show ahead of the event on ITV2.

The shortlists, chosen by a selection of judges from the five terrestrial TV channels, are:

Best Television Comedy Actor: Martin Freeman (The Office), Peter Kay (Phoenix Nights), Ricky Gervais (The Office)

Best Television Comedy Actress: Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Kathy Burke (Gimme Gimme Gimme), Ronni Ancona (Alistair McGowan's Big Impression)

Best Comedy Entertainment Personality: Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross, Paul Merton

Best Comedy Newcomer: Dave Spikey (Phoenix Nights), Kris Marshall (My Family), Leigh Francis (Bo Selecta)

Best New TV Comedy: 2DTV, The Book Group, The Kumars At Number 42

Best TV Comedy: The Office, Black Books, Phoenix Nights

Best TV Comedy-Drama: Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Cold Feet, The Book Group

Best Comedy Entertainment Programme: Have I Got News For You, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, V Graham Norton

Best International Comedy TV show: The Simpsons, Sex And The City, Six Feet Under

Best Comedy Film: Amelie, Bend It Like Beckham, Legally Blonde

Click here for a list of previous winners:

Published: 20 Nov 2002