In a year that many say is proving to be seminal for black film and TV on so many fronts, especially for diverse British talent, late Spring will witness the 12th edition of the annual Screen Nation Film & Television Awards popularly known as ‘the black Bafta’s’ and acknowledged by the industry as ‘the’ media event showcasing black screen excellence. With an unmatched record of forecasting the undeniable rise to fame of many of the hottest young screen stars working today, this small but high quality award show returns once again to the city of London, as the UK’s only international celebration of black British achievement in film and TV.
Celebrating diversity and outstanding achievements on the British screen, and now confident of its place in the showbiz calendar, this much admired event takes place on Sunday 7th May 2017, from 5.00pm to 1.00am, at the 4 star Park Plaza London Riverbank hotel overlooking the Thames. The red carpet arrivals and ceremony behind the scenes are set to stream live with a new partnership with Twitter Live. Edited highlights will be broadcast on ROK on Sky 344 across UK and Europe, with broadcasts to Africa on DStv.
Returning for a record equalling fourth engagement, the BBC London’s own Brenda Emmanus will once again host the star studded ceremony alongside a soon to be announced popular media personality. Together with a fine coterie of celebrity guest presenters, they will pay homage to some of the finest British talent and globally established film & TV stars working in the UK and around the world today.
Screen Nation has built a reputation as the UK’s most respected culturally diverse international Awards ceremony rewarding achievements made by African Diaspora screen talent. This important media event promotes the many world-renowned artists who are held in high esteem by TV and movie lovers, proving that black screen talent of all grades are ready to receive the highest acclaim for their achievements.
The prestigious event features the cream of black British film and television alongside stars from the world of sport, music, media, fashion and entertainment. Past award recipients include Hollywood legends Morgan Freeman, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett and Pam Grier as well as top draw British talent, Steve McQueen OBE, Idris Elba OBE, Naomie Harris OBE, Amma Asante and fast rising stars Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, Letitia Wright and Arnold Oceng.
Jetting in from New York to receive this year’s leading international honour; the Outstanding Contribution Award is the enigmatic Nigerian heritage Ivorian actor Isaach de Bankole. Honoured with the highly prized Edric Connor Trailblazer Award is the legendary director, Horace Ove popularly known as the ‘godfather of black British film’ who has a directing career spanning over half a century and is acknowledged as the first African Caribbean to make a feature film in the UK..
A very rarely presented special honorary Legacy Award will be posthumously bestowed upon deceased screenwriter and playwright, the hugely respected and much loved and missed Michael Abbensetts, who passed away in late 2016. The iconic comedic cricket themed TV drama Playing Away will also be acknowledged with a Classic TV award as it reaches its 40th anniversary in 2017. Stephen Bourne the UK’s foremost chronicler of the black experience in the entertainment industry, who’s now classic book Black in The British Frame celebrates its 25th anniversary, will receive only the third ever Screen Nation Special Award.
The full list of categories and much sought after nominations will be revealed online in two stages across Screen Nation social media, first on Friday 7th April 2017 for all voting categories with all other jury voted categories being announced on Monday 10th April 2017.
Founder and Screen Nation CEO, veteran international film producer Charles Thompson MBE said.
’The rise of black screen talent across the world, both in front and behind the camera, can no longer be denied, as they confidently march forward to establish a firm stake in the global industry. The old pervading industry adage that diverse talent leading and telling unique stories doesn’t sell or travel can no longer be applied.
Screen Nation intends to work alongside our partners and stakeholders to encourage more inclusivity whilst continuing to play its part in promoting the many stellar achievements made by African British screen talent towards cultural diversity. Look for us in the whirlwind!
