The first batch of talent to appear at the second annual Comedy Awards were announced today along with the news that Robin Williams will receive special honors at the ceremony slated to tape this Saturday, April 28 in New York City.
The Viacom-produced event will feature awards presented by Chris Rock, Will Arnett, Tracy Morgan, Maya Rudolph, Adam Scott and the previously announced Jon Stewart, who will bestow Don Rickles with the Johnny Carson Award For Comedic Excellence. The full list of nominees can be found here.
Veteran comedian Robin Williams will receive the “Stand-Up Icon” award that was given to Eddie Murphy at the inaugural awards show last year.
Aside from the talent presenting awards, appearances will be made by a slew of well-known comedians including Hannibal Buress, Ty Burrell, Louis C.K, Chevy Chase, Paul Feig, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Annie Mumolo, Amber Nash, Jim O’Heir, Chris Parnell, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, The Gregory Brothers, Aisha Tyler and Kristen Wiig.
Andy Richter will return as the official announcer of the night and The Roots will once again serve as the house band. A Comedy Central press release notes that dditional performers and presenters will be released later this week.
Noticeably absent from the list of talent is Stephen Colbert, who crashed Stewart's acceptance speech last year in one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone notoriously lampooned last year's awkward first ceremony on "South Park" less than a month after they were given the best animated series award. During their acceptance speech they criticized the high number of Viacom-owned properties that were nominated and subsequently won:
"Winning this award feels like being student of the month and your mom’s the teacher."
The Comedy Awards will premiere on Comedy Central on Sunday, May 6.