Edinburgh festival: if.comedy nominees

Russell Kane is nominated for Gaping Flaws. The judges say: 'Brilliantly energetic celebration of family, relationships and life's imperfections'. We say: 'He's always thrusting his groin'. Listen to Russell on the comedy podcast | Read Paul MacInnes's review Photograph: Beth Elliott

Rhod Gilbert is nominated for his show Rhod Gilbert and the Award-winning Mince Pie. The judges say: 'Perfectly structured, gag-packed show'. We say: 'This is meat-and-potatoes comedy.' Listen to Rhod on the podcast | Read Brian Logan's review Photograph: PR

Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler are nominated for Double Down Hearts. The judges say: 'Utterly quirky and unique'. We say: 'The pair's relationship makes for wonderfully impish comedy.' Read Brian Logan's review Photograph: PR

David O'Doherty is nominated for Let's Comedy. The judges say: 'Effortless charm with song'. We say: 'When a standup gig goes this well, you do get a sense of how religions are started.' Listen to David on the podcast | Read Leo Benedictus's review Photograph: PR

Sarah Millican has been nominated for best newcomer. The judges admired her 'outstanding command of the audience'. Listen to Sarah on the podcast | Watch our video interview with Sarah Photograph: PR

The judges called newcomer nominee Pippa Evans 'a wonderful character comic who also writes and performs songs'. Read Harry Deansway's preview Photograph: PR

The third nominated newcomer is Mike Wozniak, who was praised by the judges for his 'striking hour'. We'd also like to commend him for his striking moustache. The winners will be announced at midnight on August 23 2008 Photograph: PR