AACTA launches October round of Laughing My AACTA Off competition

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has launched Laughing My AACTA Off (LMAO), to give everyone a chance to show top comedy stars – and the rest of Australia - their funny side; with $1000, cameras and accessories, and other great prizes on offer every month.

On the first day of each month, a celebrity judge will announce a new theme on AACTA LMAO’s Instagram page. Those with a funny take on the theme should shoot a video, up to one minute long, and enter. The funniest videos will be posted online and highlighted throughout the month.

AACTA has announced that the October guest judge is Giggle and Hoot star, Jimmy Rees. Although he first made a name for himself as the pajama-clad children’s presenter, more recently he’s entertained housebound people through lockdown with his Meanwhile in Australia series. His videos attract more than 15 million views a month, not just in Australia but in New Zealand, the UK and USA. Jimmy will select his favourite entry from the month’s fitting theme ‘When lockdown ends’.

“You could win $1000, all you have to do is…. Be really funny! Make us laugh, we want to laugh. I’m the judge, so I’ll be picking the winner. So go get making funny things,” said Jimmy Rees - LMAO’s October judge.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival will also weigh in on the competition and pick their favourite original entry each month.

“Most people spend their free time watching funny videos online, I’m one of the lucky ones who gets paid to do it! The creativity and unique interpretations on the theme continue to amaze us each month. We’re delighted to be building a strong and supportive community of funny Australians from all backgrounds and walks of life. With some big things planned in the coming months, we look forward to growing this spotlight on the inimitable sense of humour that comes from our own backyard, “ said Ivan Vukusic – AACTA Awards & industry development manager

Launched in August, LMAO has been a resounding success, with judges including Lachlan Fairbairn of Fairbairn Films and comedian Samantha Andrew. Skits, parodies, songs, and impersonations were among the competition’s first entries. A slate of other big names including award-winning comedian Tom Gleeson, former contestants and comedians Tanya Hennessy and Dilruk Jayasinha and YouTube star Christian Hull will join the LMAO family as judges in coming months.

October videos must be submitted by 11.59pm (AEDT) October 20 to be in the running. A new judge and theme for November will be announced soon.

If you are keen to have a laugh or if you have a video you’d like to enter, follow @aactalmao on Instagram and keep an eye out for announcements and future themes.