The annual Screen Nation Film & Television Awards popularly known as ‘the black Bafta’s’ and acknowledged by the industry as ‘the’ media event for diverse talent returns once again to the West End of London, as the UK’s only international celebration of black British achievement in film and TV.

Now in the first year of its second decade and firmly established on the international awards circuit, the star studded ceremony will be hosted by Brenda Emmanus (BBC London News Arts Correspondent) and Kojo (comedian and ITV2 Love Fix presenter); who 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.

Celebrating diversity and outstanding achievements on the British screen this much anticipated event takes place on Saturday 19^th March 2016, from 5.00pm to 1.00am, at the prestigious Hilton London Metropole hotel. The red carpet arrivals and ceremony will be streamed live online with edited highlights to air on the African Movie Channel.

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. The prestigious event features the cream of black British film and television alongside stars from the worlds of sport, music, media, fashion and entertainment. Past award recipients include Hollywood legends Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington as well as top tier UK talent, Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE, Idris Elba OBE, David Oyelowo OBE, Naomie Harris, Sophie Okonedo, Steve McQueen and Noel Clarke.

The Screen Nation Executive Committee bestows this year’s leading honour; the Outstanding Contribution Award upon iconic African-American action star Wesley Snipes. Honoured with the highly prized Edric Connor Trailblazer Award is the legendary actor of Desmond’s fame, Carmen Munroe who has an acting career that spans over half a century and broke many racial barriers.

A slew of Classic Movie awards are bestowed honours at their 25^th anniversaries – Mo’ Better Blues, The Five Heartbeats and New Jack City and are matched by the striking female ensemble classic that hits its 20 year milestone Waiting to Exhale. Each classic movie is directed by and starring talent, who have gone on to become Hollywood’s biggest names. Babylon the iconic reggae themed movie sets the Classic Movie standard for the UK in its 35^th anniversary year.

Founder and Screen Nation CEO, veteran international film producer Charles Thompson MBE said, ’As Screen Nation moves into its second decade there can no longer be any denying the depth and quality of black talent within the UK industry, who have proven their worth and established a stake in the global industry, both in front and behind the camera. All that remains is for those at the head of the British film & TV industry to finally wake up and embrace the treasures within their midst, because as others have said ‘a storm is coming..’ and the status quo cannot remain the same for much longer.’

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

11^th Screen Nation Film & TV Awards 2016 | www.screennation.com