EXCLUSIVE: Only for Laughs has made its New Faces alternatives for 2026, with 47 comedic artists on this yr’s class, between the stand-ups, characters, creators and writers packages.
On the Stand-Ups listing are two comics highlighted not too long ago by Deadline: Englishman Crimson Richardson, who made our listing of the Comics to Preserve an Eye on in 2026, and Mario Adrion, a German-American comedian spotlighted in our Comedy Means Enterprise publication in relation to his debut particular, My Wrestle.
Since its inception in 1994, JFL’s New Faces of Comedy Showcase has been thought to be a premier launchpad, serving to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s largest stars, together with Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Colin Jost, Ali Wong, Jerrod Carmichael and Jack Whitehall, amongst many others.
“Annually, New Faces introduces audiences to the subsequent technology of good comedy expertise from across the globe, and 2026 is not any exception,” stated Nick Brazao, VP of Programming & Expertise at Only for Laughs. “This yr’s performers are sharp, authentic and hilarious. We’re proud to supply them this platform to point out audiences how shiny the way forward for comedy is.”
Only for Snigger’s New Faces showcases are going down as a part of the pageant’s ComedyPRO programming between July 22 and July 25. The fest kicked off on July 15 and runs by means of the twenty sixth.
Only for Laughs has been holding its flagship Montreal pageant — the world’s largest for comedy — since 1983. Sylvain Guardian Bédard’s Quebec-based ComediHa acquired the corporate in 2024. This yr, JFL has welcomed SMOSH as its New Faces: Creators companion for a second consecutive yr, with Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick’s Semi-Formal Productions signing on for a brand new partnership on New Faces: Writers.
View the total 2026 New Faces lineup under.
NEW FACES: STAND UPS
Ainsley Bailey
Alon Elian
Andrew Packer
Carolina Montesquieu
Chris Renois
Cristina Mariani
David Drake
Elijah Nevels
Elle Orlando
Elouise Eftos
Esteban Gast
Fiona Cauley
Freddie Shanel
Gary Simons
Gus Tate
Hannah Veldhoen
Hassan Phills
Helen Bauer
Jack Hirschfield
Jackson Banks
Joe Marrese
Joey Dardano
Jonis Josef
Kenny Lee
Mario Adrion
Mark Thomson
Mitchell Doran
Nicky Paris
Peyton Ruddy
Crimson Richardson
Tessa Belle
NEW FACES: CHARACTERS
Annie Sullivan
Caitlin Frain
Clare McConnell
George C. Owens
Jesse Kendall
Jon Blair
Russell Daniels
Tiyawnda
NEW FACES: CREATORS in partnership with SMOSH
Lucas Lopez
Lucy Sandwick
Pooja Tripathi
Tom Cardy
NEW FACES: WRITERS in partnership with Semi-Formal Productions
Austin S. Harris (The Hayes Home is Haunted)
Elliot Connors (Omni)
Jenna Ebersberger (Me & Marie)
Mike Liebenson (Midwestern Realty)
