Chuck Lorre to Receive Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at Banff Media Festival

The Banff World Media Festival today announced that Chuck Lorre - the award-winning television creator, writer and producer known for such hit comedy series such as "Two and a Half Men," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Mike & Molly" - will receive the 2012 Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award on Tuesday, June 12. The Ustinov Award recognizes a creative talent that has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry, with past honourees including John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammer, Rick Mercer, Ricky Gervais and 2011's recipient, James Burrows.

For the past 20 years, Lorre has delivered such hit shows as "Grace Under Fire," "Dharma & Greg," "Roseanne" and "Cybill." He co-created the blockbuster comedy series "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory" - which rank as the #1 and #2 comedies, respectively, among Total Viewers on all of U.S. television (network and off-network) - and also executive produces the hit sitcom "Mike & Molly," which was the #1 new sitcom of the 2010-11 season among Total Viewers and continues as a strong hit in its second season.

Lorre's career breakout moment came in 1991, when he became a supervising producer on the hit comedy, "Roseanne," and he has gone on to become one of the most successful comedy producers in the television industry. Lorre has been awarded numerous recognition for his work, including having his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his life-long contribution of both public and peer appreciation that has changed the entertainment industry.

"Chuck Lorre has provided comedic relief through his stand-out television shows to audiences around the world for decades," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to celebrate his career and to hear his keen point of view on the current state of comedy in television at this year's festival."

The Sir Ustinov Comedy Award will be presented during the annual Banff World Media Awards, also known as Rockies, which are internationally-recognized awards program celebrating the very best in international content production in television and digital media.

About the Banff World Media Festival

The Banff World Media Festival is the world's largest and most important gathering of entertainment industry and digital media executives dedicated to media content production, broadcast and distribution within TV and digital media. BANFF provides a platform for the evolving media industry to develop its creative and business objectives, serves as the leading destination for co-production and co-venture partners and is an unparalleled destination for more than 2000 international decision-makers to meet, learn and do business. The 33rd annual Banff World Media Festival will take place June 10-13, 2012 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Canada. 

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