Talent from across the Nigerian Diaspora lead the way in the fight for awards recognition at the 9th Screen Nation Film & Television Awards, featuring in every category.
Chiwetel Ejiofor is up for Male Performance in Film; a category he previously won, for his critically acclaimed role in 12 Years a Slave. Ejiofor will compete for this much coveted award against David Oyelowo for The Butler and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje for The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete and Best Laid Plans.
Previous winner Sophia Okonedo faces stiff competition from fellow British Nigerian compatriot Rakie Ayola for Female Performance in Film. Okonedo for After Earth and Ayola in Dredd and Now Will Do.
Favourite Male African International Emerging Screen Talent sees Chris Attoh stand as the sole Ghanaian in a field otherwise dominated by Nigerian talent: OC Ukeje, Joseph Benjamin, Femi Jacobs, Anthony Monjaro and Alexx Ekubo.
Competition for Favourite Female African International Emerging Screen Talent is extremely high and sees Linda Ejiofor compete against compatriots Damilola Adegbite and Adepero Oduye to challenge American African’s Danai Gurira and emerging actress of the moment Lupita Nyong’o for the crown.
Turning to the small screen Nonso Anozie best known for his roles in Game of Thrones, The Bible and Dracula slugs it out for the public’s affections against former Holby City favourite Jimmy Akingbola in the Favourite Male TV Star category. Whilst Jimmy’s former Holby co-star Chizzy Akudolu faces very stiff competition from AJ Odudu, best known for hosting Big Brother’s Bit on the Side in the Favourite Female TV star category.
The importance of Nollywood within the world’s film industry is also being recognised, within the category of Favourite Nigerian (New Nollywood) Film. The films competing for this unique honour are Amina, Turning Point, Tango with Me, Onye Ozi, Hoodrush, Flower Girl and Confusion Na Wa.
The 9th Screen Nation Film & Television Awards takes place on Sunday 23rd February 2014 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London. The star-studded ceremony will be hosted by the hilarious 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. The Creative Director of the 2014 Awards is the renowned Nigerian born, British based director/producer Obi Emelonye, the man described as bringing the magic of Nollywood to the world.
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