Back Stage Magazine has announced the winners of the annual Bistro Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in the New York cabaret field.

Australian cabaret artist, Kim Smith, will be presented with the Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award for his 2008 New York debut cabaret Johnny Come Lately, and will be honoured alongside Broadway/Cabaret legends Liza Minnelli and Charles Aznavour. A gala evening celebrating this year's winners will be held April 28 at the Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan.

The Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award, is awarded annually to "an outstanding performer on the rise" and is named after Back Stage Magazine's co-founder, co-publisher and first cabaret critic.