Tony Lopes Wins His 15th Stanley Award for Insanity Streak

Big congratulations are in order for Insanity Streak creator Tony Lopes, who just took home his 15th Stanley Award at the 2025 Australian Cartoonists Association ceremony — a record-setting milestone that cements his place among the greats of cartooning.

Often described as the “Oscars of Australian Cartooning,” the Stanley Awards have been recognizing excellence in the field since 1985. This year’s event was held at the historic Hadley’s Oriental Hotel in Hobart, where Tony was honored once again for Insanity Streak, his long-running daily comic strip that continues to deliver laughs to millions of readers worldwide.

A Career Defined by Humor and Heart

Tony first launched Insanity Streak in 2000, and it’s been a daily fixture in newspapers ever since — syndicated across more than 60 papers in over 20 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and throughout Europe and Asia. The strip reaches an estimated three million readers a day, proof that Tony’s brand of quick, observational humor crosses borders and generations.

In his acceptance speech, Tony reflected on how much has changed since he began:

“When I started almost 30 years ago, newspapers were thriving, the internet was dial-up, and my parents were hoping I’d get a real job — well, two out of three have changed.”

And, in typical Tony fashion, he couldn’t resist a good laugh at his own expense:

“Fifteen Stanleys. I’ve now won more awards than I have working pens. To be fair, though, I keep dropping the Stanleys on the pens.”

A Legacy of Laughter

Voted on by industry peers, the Stanley Awards carry a special weight within the cartooning community — recognition from those who understand the craft best. For Tony, that peer recognition makes each win even more meaningful.

“It’s not every day you’re blessed with a Stanley Award. I’m grateful to be able to make people laugh by doing what I love. As they’re voted by my peers, it’s a rare privilege to receive one.”

Still Going Strong

After 25 years (and counting), Insanity Streak continues to evolve with the times while keeping its trademark wit intact — from cavemen cracking jokes about evolution to modern takes on tech, work, and everyday absurdities.

Tony’s success reminds us that great cartooning isn’t just about drawing — it’s about observation, empathy, and timing. It’s about saying something true with a laugh.

Congratulations again to Tony Lopes on his record-breaking 15th Stanley Award — and here’s to many more years of inspired insanity.

Read Insanity Streak daily on Comics Kingdom
Visit Tony’s site at tonylopes.com.au