Whoa! Earlier this morning, I posted an article on the Screen Nation Awards (the "black BAFTAS" as they're also know), in which I challenged a piece on the UK Guardian's website, which asked why race should still play a part in awards recognition – specifically, whether the Screen Nation Awards (which celebrate black British talent) has any reason to exist, given that, as the Guardian piece argued…
British black and minority ethnic actors are making their presence felt more than ever before, both at home and abroad – so why do they still need their own awards shows?
That was earlier this morning; you can read my piece HERE if you missed it.
Just about an hour ago, the below message was posted on the Screen Nation's Facebook page, which states that this year's event, which was actually scheduled to take place THIS Sunday, November 11, has been cancelled!
This has to be unprecedented. 2 days before the event is set to happen, it's cancelled!
Why? To protect the interests of the Screen Nation brand. Essentially, it sounds like financial matter, based on what follows below.
But I'll let you read it for yourselves; hopefully we can get further explanation directly from the awards show:
AWARDS CEREMONY POSTPONED UNTIL 2013
Unfortunately it is with deep regret that we are forced to announce that the eagerly anticipated Screen Nation Awards 2012, listed to take place on the 11th of November, has now been postponed to a later date, yet to be defined.
Despite the best efforts of the Event Director and all the highly gifted and capable event team to reduce the exposure to the event, caused by severe difficulties faced by delays in receiving committed finance, late rejections of partnership approaches and finally an insurmountable major H&S issue, it was felt that this was the only decision we could take at this time to protect the interests of the Screen Nation brand and reduce the negative effects that would be felt by the participants of the event. We regret the unfortunate timing.
Screen Nation would like to assure its loyal audience and supporters that we will continue to do our best to maintain a standard for excellence and integrity at all times and deeply regret the suffering and embarrasment this news will cause to a good number of you and many professionals in the community. Working in unity with our stakeholders and partners, Screen Nation commits to make good on all liabilties it has built as a result of this postponement and will be communicating directly with all parties concerned at the very earliest opportunity.
Nominations still stand and voting procedures will be revised to take account of this unexpected circumstance. Announcement of the winners of all relevant categories will be made at the future show.
Charles Thompson, CEO of Screen Nation says: “On the very day the Guardian online publishes an article that I am quoted in posing the question 'Do black actors still need the Screen Nation Awards', I regret to announce this sudden untimely setback to the awards show. However I give my assurance to you that the extraordinary pool of talent that reside in the UK, will continue to be celebrated on a date to be set within the next few months. I sincerely apologise for the huge inconvenience this has caused many of you and take full responsibility for this difficult situation. I have understood very recently that however much we may want things to work a certain way, sometimes you just can't hold back the inevitable.'
Working in partnership with all stakeholders, Screen Nation celebrates the achievements of all the winners and nominees and together with the industry wishes them all the very best of luck for the show in 2013.
Please check the website www.screennation.com for news updates on the awards as time goes by.
Screen Nation would like thank everyone for their continuous support and understanding and looks forward to seeing you all at the awards show in 2013, schedules permitting.
For and on behalf of The Screen Nation Awards Team
