Sarah Keyworth takes top gong at Melbourne comedy festival awards

English comedian Sarah Keyworth has reigned supreme at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, winning the Most Outstanding Show award on Saturday.

Keyworth’s hour-long show, My Eyes Are Up Here, an examination of their gender-affirming top surgery, received a five-star review from The Age.

One of the most coveted awards in the comedy world, the Most Outstanding Show is chosen by a panel of judges who survey the 600-plus events in the festival program

“I was crying at other people’s speeches,” Keyworth said in their acceptance speech during the awards ceremony at the Toff in Town on Saturday afternoon, hosted by previous winner Rhys Nicholson.

Keyworth’s award was announced by Gillian Cosgriff, who won Most Outstanding Show in 2023.

“You can chop off your boobs but it’s harder to get rid of the period,” Keyworth said, attempting to hold back tears that eventually flowed.

“The stand-out thing about this festival is how nice you all are,” they said.

Keyworth edged out fellow nominees Celia Pacquola with her show I’m As Surprised As You Are, John Kearns’ The Varnishing Days, Julia Masli’s ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, Kanan Gill’s What Is This?, Lou Wall’s The Bisexual’s Lament, Oliver Coleman’s Goof, Ray O’Leary’s Your Laughter Is Just Making Me Stronger, Rose Matafeo’s On And On And On and Takashi Wakasugi’s Japanese Aussie.