The Benny Award is bestowed on a New Zealand variety entertainer.
It is presented annually by the
Variety Artists Club of New Zealand
The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc (VAC) is a non-for-profit organisation and show business club. It was founded in 1966 and became an incorporated society in 1972. The VAC was formed to promote goodwill within the New Zealand enterta ...
, a non-for-profit organisation and showbusiness club, founded in 1966 and awarded to a variety performer who has achieved "A lifetime of excellence in their field of the performing arts".
Nominations
Nominations for the Benny Award are accepted from VAC members and the recipient decided upon by past Benny recipients, making its presentation recognition of the highest degree by the New Zealand entertainment industry.
Naming
The Benny Award was named after its first recipient, New Zealand variety performer
Edgar Benyon
Edgar Wilson Benyon (29 March 1901–14 September 1978) was a New Zealand magician, juggler and entertainer. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 29 March 1901.
In 1969 the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc created an award in his h ...
(1902–1978) in 1969. The Benny statuette was designed and sculptured by magician Jon Zealando and features Greek muses
Melpomene
In Greek mythology, Melpomene (; grc, Μελπομένη, Melpoménē, to sing' or 'the one that is melodious), initially the muse of chorus, eventually became the muse of tragedy, and is now best known in that association.
Etymology
Melp ...
and
Thalia
Thalia, Thalía, Thaleia or Thalian may refer to:
People
* Thalia (given name), including a list of people with the name
* Thalía (born 1971), Mexican singer and actress
Mythological and fictional characters
* Thalia (Grace), one of the three ...
, the traditional symbols of comedy and tragedy.
Recipients of the Benny Award include many New Zealand household names and figureheads of entertainment.
Recipients
References
{{reflist
External links
Variety Artists Club of New Zealand WebsiteVideo : Red Carpet TV at the 2018 Benny AwardsBiographical Information about all Benny Winners2011 Benny Awards television coverageMax Cryer MBE presents the 2006 Benny to Alan WatsonMax Cryer MBE presents the 2009 Benny to Eddie LowMax Cryer MBE presents 2010 Benny to Gary Daverne ONZM
Performing arts awards
Entertainment in New Zealand
Variety shows
Culture in Auckland
Awards established in 1969
1969 establishments in New Zealand
New Zealand awards