Meet 2020 Funny Women Awards Runner Up Mary O’Connell

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Funny Women

Having made it through the virtual heats, Mary O’Connell was one of the eight finalists to make it to our live 2020 Funny Women Awards final! Mary’s witty set with smart takes on subjects such as nipples and pretty privilege won her third place. We chatted to Mary about her comedy plans and how her material can get pretty wacky if you give her more than five minutes…

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Funny Women: How does it feel to place in the Funny Women Awards?

Mary O’Connell: It feels great! It’s a really nice thing to have come out of lockdown.

FW: To say this year has been a little different is an understatement, up until the final the Funny Women Stage Award took place online. What are your thoughts on online gigs?

MO’C: I think that online gigs are good for getting stage time without taking yourself too seriously. I found them awkward at first, they’re still awkward but I’m slightly more used to them now. 

FW: How would you describe your comedy?

MO’C: My comedy is kind of cheeky, and I’d say it stands on the line between alternative and mainstream – not my competition stuff though, but I can get pretty wacky in a longer set.

FW: What’s next for Mary O’Connell?

MO’C: I’d like to keep gigging while I still can, I’ve been writing some stuff for TV as well. I just want to keep writing and performing.

FW: Who are your favourite funny women?

MO’C: My favourite funny women are Leslie Jones, Mindy Kaling, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy and Michelle Wolf, there’s loads more…

Keep up with Mary O’Connell on Twitter here!

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From the Funny Women Team
Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here