The 2025 Just For Laughs awards held in Montreal featured a night of humor, camaraderie, and heartfelt tributes, highlighted by Ryan Reynolds playfully roasting fellow comedian and business partner Rob Mac. As Mac received the prestigious Generation Award, Reynolds, known for his role in the Deadpool franchise, couldn’t resist a jab, quipping, “Rob, second place to the lifetime achievement award, amazing.” This moment followed the presentation of a lifetime achievement trophy to comedian George Wallace.
Reynolds praised the rarity of genuine character within the entertainment industry, stating, “Hollywood can be an insipid shithouse of round-the-clock shamelessness.” He emphasized the importance of perseverance in pursuing dreams, adding, “You have to be willing to be excited to grind and push a dream up a hill.” He lauded Mac’s dedication to his craft, remarking, “Nobody does 17 seasons of a television show with the same cast and crew and also happens to be a dick,” referring to Mac’s long-standing role on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
When Mac took the stage, he reflected on his journey into comedy, revealing that he started out feeling like a “terrified little boy.” He credited Reynolds with significantly elevating his career, saying, “I’m here because of Ryan Reynolds, who not only took my career in the stratosphere but also flew here to give this to me.” The audience erupted in applause as Mac expressed gratitude towards his family, Wrexham, and his wife, Kaitlin Olson.
Highlights from the Night
The event, hosted by Matthew Broussard, was filled with laughter and heartfelt moments. Comedian Benito Skinner, known for his online persona Benny Drama, humorously recounted his early days in comedy, stating, “I still avoid eye contact with comedians, and I think you should too. We are all mentally ill.” Skinner received the breakout comedy star of the year award, acknowledging the support he received from Just For Laughs.
Hannah Berner, winner of the rising comedy star award, also expressed her gratitude to the festival, stating, “JFL has been so incredible to me and to all the comics who took me under their wings.” She fondly recalled her experience performing at the New Faces showcase.
The significance of representation was highlighted when Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin accepted the podcast of the year award for their show, Handsome. Martin noted, “For our community, representation is still very much needed and wanted, and it’s cool to be talking about these different topics,” while Feimster echoed the importance of inclusion.
Later in the evening, George Wallace entertained the audience as he accepted his lifetime achievement award. With his signature charm, he remarked, “That means you’ve been around for a while and know a few things. And I know a few things.” Wallace, who has been in the industry for nearly five decades, joked about his political commentary, saying, “I’m not supposed to do political stuff.”
The Just For Laughs comedy festival continues through to Sunday, promising more unforgettable moments and laughter. As the event unfolds, it celebrates the diverse voices and stories that define the world of comedy.
