Banff to Honor James Burrows with Comedy Award

TORONTO: The veteran TV director James Burrows, whose credits include classic series such as Cheers, Taxi and Night Court, along with more recent hits like Mike and Molly, is being recognized by the Banff World Media Festival with the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award.

The award, to be presented during the Rockies Gala, recognizes a creative talent who has made a strong comedic contribution to the media industry. Past recipients include John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammar, Rick Mercer, and last year’s winner, Ricky Gervais.

Burrows will also be featured in a special master class at Banff, where he will reflect on his career success and share some of the insight he has gained from his time in the industry. Burrows is best known as the co-creator of Cheers. He is also recognized for his work on series such as Will & Grace, Frasier, Friends, Wings, Night Court, Taxi and Dear John. He is now at the helm of the CBS hit comedy Mike and Molly. Burrows also directed the pilots of Better with You, $#*! My Dad Says and Big Bang Theory.

"James Burrows is a giant in the industry, and we are honored to welcome him to Banff 2011," said Ferne Cohen, the executive director of the festival. "For decades, Mr. Burrows has quite literally shaped popular culture on television, and has been an inspiration and role model for countless emerging and established talents in the business. He is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Ustinov Award, and we are all looking forward to seeing a more intimate side of this colossal figure in his master class."