The Richard Pryor Award for Ethnic Comedy Revolver Entertainment, The Fringe Festival, Jennifer Lee Pryor and the legendary Richard Pryor are proud to announce the inaugural 'Richard Pryor Award' for ethnic comedy, to be judged from the 2004 festival shows by Richard Pryor himself. Pryor is the legendary stand-up comedian that permanently changed the face of modern comedy in the late seventies. His award winning routines trod a fearless path through race, politics, male machismo, American culture and the comedy and tragedy of his own life. He’s widely credited for forging a new style of honesty and self appraisal in modern comedy. At this year's Edinburgh Fringe a panel of judges will shortlist shows by ethnic comedians that demonstrate the same kind of innovation and fearlessness that Pryor became famous for. Then (via show recordings) Richard himself will judge the winner. The award which includes a cash prize is designed to encourage and reward new diversity from ethnic comedians. Revolver Entertainment; the leading independent DVD Distributor, initiated the award with Jennifer Pryor to encourage comedians who are willing to try and challenge conventions of modern comedy. Revolver MD Justin Marciano, commented: "Revolver has always enjoyed a strong association with ethnic programming, and effectively launched urban stand-up comedy on DVD in the UK.. We're absolutely thrilled to be working so closely with Richard Pryor and the Fringe in encouraging greater diversity in stand up comedy" Commenting on the launch of the Award, Fringe Director Paul Gudgin said: "We're delighted to welcome this new award to the Fringe. It celebrates the diversity of the festival and it's an honour to be associated with Richard Pryor." Notes to Editors Full details of eligibility, application guidelines and event details will be announced by the Edinburgh fringe in July. For more information please contact: award@revolvergroup.com Images and Footage of Richard Pryor are available, as are select interview opportunities.