Comedy Central's first annual Comedy Awards kicks off with Jon Cryer making digs at costar Sheen

Somebody atComedy Central's inaugural Comedy Awards has an ear for irony.

David Letterman, denied the actual"Tonight Show,"was given theJohnny Carsonaward at theHammerstein BallroomSaturday night.

A standing ovation greeted Letterman after he was introduced byBill Murray.

Letterman was predictably unmoved, telling the crowd receiving the award was like"NASAgiving theNeil ArmstrongAward toBalloon Boy."

Standing in front of the original rainbow-colored curtain from Carson's"Tonight Show,"Letterman said that everyone who does a talk show today"labors under the shadow of Johnny Carson. Except for Regis {Philbin},"Letterman deadpanned."I don't know what his deal is."

Then, mimicking one of the earlier,"hipper"comics, he said he forgot to say,"Hello, motherf-----s."

Jay Lenowas not mentioned.

Earlier,Stephen Colbertyukked it up, revealing his inferiority complex towardJon Stewart, who won the Late Night Comedy Series award. Colbert said he was tired of playing second fiddle to the lefty laughmaker and ordered everyone off-stage. Colbert then announced that he's accepting the award for"everyone whose soul has been crushed by Jon Stewart."

He called outJimmy KimmelandJack Paar.

Jon Cryer, introducing the Best Actress, Comedy Series award, opened with several thinly veiled digs at his wildman co-starCharlie Sheen. I feel"it's important for an actor to keep out of the public eye,"Cryer said."Luckily a lot of talented people are working on shows that are still in production."

Kristen Wiigtook home the award.

The Icon award went toEddie Murphy, who didn't exactly seem thrilled with the honor."I'm startin' to feel old,"the 49-year-old comic told the crowd of 8,000. It's"definitely an old man's honor."

Bruce Williskept it crude. After taking the stage, the"Die Hard"star proceeded to lead the crowd in chants of the f-word.

On hand were a virtual who's who of funny people:Bill Hader,Andy Richter,Trey ParkerandMatt Stone,Andy Samburg,Gary Shandling,Alec Baldwin, teenage actressChloe Moretz,Tracy MorganandTina Fey.

Contact Gatecrasher:
Frank DiGiacomo:fdigiacomo@nydailynews.com
Carson Griffith:cgriffith@nydailynews.com
Molly Fischer:mfischer@nydailynews.com

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