Women in Film & TV is an organisation that supports and promotes women working in the film and TV – and that includes behind the scenes including editing, post-production, direction and script-writing.

Every year they hold a lunch to dish out awards to women who have made their mark creatively. This year it was held at the Hilton on Park Lane with an opening song from Brenda Edwards (from X Factor, and pictured above) who is now the star of We Will Rock You – and rock us she did! She is just amazing with a voice that could take the roof off and I felt really happy to see that there is life after X Factor whether you win or not. It was the best possible start to the event.

I was there as a guest of MAC who were sponsoring the award for Best Performance Award, won by Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur, Rev, Peep Show and Green Wing) and presented by guess who (above)! I always feel really awkward around celebrities; I never quite know how to be – on the one hand, I genuinely am a fan of Olivia’s work, but I have no clue on the protocol.. I just always assume they’d rather sit and enjoy their lunch rather than be fawned over by some drooling fan. 

So, while the opportunity was very much there to chat, I didn’t very much, other than to talk about eating wheat free (she doesn’t, but her husband, Ed, does). Inside, I wanted to squeak “I love what you do!” but instead chatted more to Ed (writing a book, had to leave early because he was on the school run). They just seemed like a very happy couple and Olivia’s dedication and thanks to him in her acceptance speech had everyone reaching for the tissues.

No award ceremony is complete without Clare Balding; she won The ITV Studios Achievement of The Year Award and bless her, also got a little bit teary dedicating and thanking her partner Alice. So, more tissues… 

What I took away from the awards was that we assume celebrities take awards for granted; they really don’t – Clare and Olivia both were genuinely touched and I guess it gives them a very good opportunity to remind us that behind their talent, a good support network is worth its weight in gold. I also took away the thought that while we’re staring at our screens we forget what goes into the making of entertainment; all the above-and-beyond research, writing, editing, logistics, accounts and so many other details that we never even think about. They’re hard for us to appreciate as a viewer because we never see behind-the-scenes. So, it’s very nice indeed that their skills are recognised within the industry. 

 

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