The awards founded by Charles Thompson MBE are in their 9th year running and are well respected by the industry and community but it was BEFFTA Awards founder and talk show queen and media mogul Pauline Long's designer hat worth £4000 that upped the fashion stakes captivating both guests and onlookers on the red carpet.
Pauline wore a floor length red backless evening gown and had her Afro hair in an elegant up do that was accentuated with the effortlessly chic hot pink and white pattern hat by London based celebrity designer, Louise Mariette.
Hair by Verona White
Hair by Verona White
Verona White in background ensures that Pauline's hat is in place
In the groove! Pauline Long and the African Talking Drum group
Pauline Long and Regina Jere (Editor New African Woman)
Flashing her megawatt smile Pauline Long posed with DJ Abass
The ceremony was hosted by top comedian Ali Baba aka the Godfather of Nigerian comedy and Caroline Chikezie, the gorgeous Hollywood based actress and newest star of the iconic 24 series starring Kiefer Sutherland.
Pauline was on double duty mingling with the stars and also presented Nigerian actor Alex Ekubo with an award for Favourite Male Emerging Screen Talent. Other presenters included Ed Vaizey MP, UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries; Gbenga Akinnagbe, enigmatic star of the critically acclaimed The Wire and currently starring in the new series of 24; Alexander Amosu, publisher of OK! Nigeria, Amanda Foster, the sensational actress and award winning stuntwoman and double for Halle Berry, Christine Ohuruogu, the two time reigning 400m World Champion and one of the hardest working DJ’s on radio DJ Abrantee of Capital XTRA.
Checkout more pictures from the event!
Full List of Winners
Honorary & Major Awards
1) Classic Movie - Do The Right Thing
2) Classic TV (Intl.) - The Cosby Show
3) Classic TV (UK) - Desmond’s
4) The Edric Connor Inspiration - Felix Dexter (Posthumous)
5) Outstanding Contribution to African Arts - Governer Godswill Akapbio
6) Outstanding Contribution - Bill Duke
Achievement Awards
1) Diversity in Factual Production: First Amongst Equals: The Laurie Cunningham Story - ITV1
2) Diversity in Drama Production: Run - C4
3) Independent Spirit Film Production: Gone Too Far - Destiny Ekaragha
4) Favourite Black Channel: ABN TV
5) Favourite International Movie (made by or starring British talent): 12 Years a Slave
People’s Choice African International Screen Awards
1) Favourite Nigerian (New Nollywood) Film (Released in Nigeria and/or premiered in UK/Online): Flower Girl
2) Favourite Female African Intl. Rising Screen Talent: Lupita Nyong’o (USA/Kenya) - 12 Years A Slave, Shuga
3) Favourite Male African Intl. Rising Screen Talen: Alex Ekubo (Nigeria)
4) Best African Film: Half of A Yellow Sun - Biyi Bandele, Nigeria/UK
5) Rising Talent: Javone Prince - PhoneShop, Plebs, Quick Cuts
6) Young Shooting Star (16-25): Adelayo Adedayo - Some Girls, Gone Too Far
7) Favourite Female TV Star: Chizzy Akudolu - Holby City
8) Favourite Male TV Star: Jimmy Akingbola – Holby
9) Female Performance in Film: Naomie Harris - Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Skyfall
10) Male Performance in Film: Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years a Slave
11) Female Performance in TV: Sharon Duncan Brewster - Top Boy, The Bible, The
12) Male Performance in TV: Idris Elba – Luther
The show's highlights will be broadcast on Sunday 2nd March 2014 on Vox Africa Sky218 with repeats on DStv 191 & GOtv 16
Watch the Pauline Long Show live www.bentelevision.com
on SKY TV 182 Wednesdays from 1pm-2pm and share your views live on air by calling 07592112148.
Sources: African Dazzle/ Daniel Sync/ A Otufale/ Joseph/http://www.ameyawdebrah.com/