The Screen Nation awards returned this year during Black History Month to showcase the best in film and television in the UK and around the world.
Held at the Indig02 on Sunday, the red carpet was bustling heavily with our favourite faces from TV and film and there was a strong edge of excitement in the air.
The awards were founded by Charles Thompson MBE, who has been involved in the film and TV industry for over 20 years. He said of the event: ““It has been an honour as always to host the Screen Nation Film and Television again this year. The winners in each category reflect the wealth of talent that is embedded in our industry. By rewarding such individuals my hope is that this platform is used to showcase excellence on a global scale.”
The night was hectic, so it kicked off a little late. As we sat in our seats we were entertained by comedian Kevin J. Kevin is a well-known comedian from London, who you could say has an ‘urban’ theme to his sets – he obviously mingles with ethnic minorities so his jokes tend to revolve around urban London life. However, this was not appreciated at the Screen Nation Awards when Kevin began to discuss the riots and made comments that quite fairly offended some of the audience.
A few members of the crowd began to boo and even throw stuff at him, which I thought was a bit harsh. As a comedian, I would expect the dude to laugh it off – instead he went on the defensive saying things like “I can see your tracks from here” (referring to some poor woman’s weave in the audience) and then started preaching about God before offering to “to take it outside.” Cringe.
Swiftly and thankfully, the gorgeous and very pregnant Angellica Bell and her husband Michael Underwood came to the stage to present the awards.
Winners on the night who couldn’t make it down the event included the legend in broadcasting, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, who won the Edric Connor Inspiration Award. Tinie Tempah gained the Favourite Music Video Performance award and Tyler Perry won the award for the Favourite Male Screen Personality.
The vibrant and funny Tameka Empson, who plays Kim in Eastenders, won the award for Favourite Female TV Star whilst the ground breaking film ‘Mirror Boy’ won two awards; one for The Best West African Film and the other being the Independent Spirit Film Production award which went to Obi Emelonye, the film’s director.
‘Anuvahood’ won the prestigious award of Favourite Urban Movie where an ecstatic Adam Deacon jumped on stage to grab the award but was slightly miffed with the lack of physical awards, saying: “there isn’t an actual award – I’ll have to post it on Twitter!”
As the night came to end, the after party went into full swing. I went to catch a few words with Kano and Asher D, but I was only able to get a small dance in with the pair before they insisted they had to go as Asher D admitted “I would stay and talk but I’m drunk.” So an interview could wait, I decided.
My Flavour homie Catherine spoke to soap’s sweetest couple, Devon Anderson and Nathalie Emmanuel, who were also slightly intoxicated but extremely excited to be at the event.
We also spotted Akala, Shanika Warren-Markland, Arnold Oceng and Shystie who was having a good time helping Adam Deacon celebrate his night of victory.
I learnt an interesting lesson whilst at the award show – intoxicated celebrities are a lot of fun. Unfortunately, The Screen Nation Awards were not as well organised as I would have hoped, however, it was fantastic celebrating the accomplishments of many respected actors, writers, directors and other highly talented people in the media and arts.
Check out the full list of award winners below:
Honorary Awards
Edric O Connor Inspiration – Sir Trevor McDonald OBE
Outstanding Contribution – Clarke Peters
Classic Film (UK) – Burning an Illusion
Classic TV (UK) – The Real McCoy
Vanguard in Stuntwork – Amanda Foster
UK Screen Achievement
Male Performance in Film – Clint Dyer: Sus
Female Performance in Film – Sherrie Silver: Africa United
Male Performance in TV – Nonso Anozie: Stolen, Outcasts, I am Slave, Occupation
Female Performance in TV – Wunmi Mosaku: I am Slave, Vera, 32 Brinkburn st
Favourite Male TV Star – Arinze Kene: Eastenders
Favourite Female TV Star – Tameka Empson: Eastenders
Emerging Talent – La Charne Jolly: Holby City
Young Shooting Star – Daniel Kaluuya: Chat Room, Skins, Psychoville, random
Comedy Performer – Andi Osho: Stand up for the Week, Mock of the Week
Screencraft Achievement
Diversity in Factual Production – Saving Africa’s Witch Children: C4
Diversity in Drama Production – Luther: BBC
Favourite Urban Movie – Anuvahood
Favourite Music Video Performance – Tinie Tempah: Pass Out
Independent Spirit Film Production – The Mirror Boy: Obi Emelonye
BME Channel – OH TV
Achievement in Cinema Director – Thomas Ikimi: Legacy – Black Ops
People’s Choice International Screen Achievement
Favourite International Film (US) – Why Did I Get married 2
Favourite Male Screen Personality (US Film/TV) – Tyler Perry
Favourite Female Screen Personality (US Film/TV) – Mo’nique
Favourite West African Film – The Mirror Boy
Favourite West African Actor – Majid Michel
Favourite West African Actress – Omotola Jalade