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Video: Bette Midler Was The First Recipient Of The American Comedy Awards Among Many More (Full Show Included)
By Mister D
May 20, 2025
At the first American Comedy Awards in 1987, Bette Midler won four awards. Here are the details for each:
Funniest Female Performer of the Year:
This award recognized Midler’s overall comedic impact across various media in 1986. Her standout performances in film, television, and live shows, particularly her sharp wit and energetic stage presence, earned her this honor. The award highlighted her as the top female comedian of the year, voted by industry peers and comedy professionals.
Funniest Female in a Motion Picture:
Bette Midler was the first-ever award recipient. Midler would take home the very first award of the show. She thanked her peers for the recognition and joked that she almost didn’t show up. Midler credited her lucky dress for the win, telling the crowd, “I was married in this dress.”
Midler won for her role as Barbara Stone in the 1986 film Ruthless People. Her portrayal of a kidnapped heiress with a mix of humor, sarcasm, and unexpected resilience was a comedic highlight. The award acknowledged her ability to steal scenes in a dark comedy alongside co-stars Danny DeVito and Judge Reinhold, based on votes from the comedy community.
Funniest Female Comedy Album:
This award was for her 1985 comedy album Mud Will Be Flung Tonight. The album featured Midler’s stand-up routines and satirical sketches, showcasing her bold humor and musical comedy talents. It was recognized for its originality and laugh-out-loud moments, with Midler’s performance voted as the best in the comedy album category.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
This non-competitive award celebrated Midler’s career-long contributions to comedy. By 1987, her work spanned Broadway, music, film, and television, blending humor with emotional depth. The award honored her as a trailblazer, from her early days at the Continental Baths to iconic roles in films like The Rose and her Grammy-winning music career, recognizing her lasting influence on comedy and entertainment.
These awards were presented at the inaugural American Comedy Awards ceremony, held to celebrate comedic excellence, with winners determined by a voting body of comedy writers, performers, and producers.
Here Is The Full Show
