The rock ensemble The Last Dinner Party, comedian Fern Brady, and the popular television series Mr Bates Vs The Post Office were among the honorees at this year’s Sky Arts Awards.
This inaugural occasion, expanding upon the legacy of the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, was presented by Joe Lycett at the Roundhouse in London on Tuesday.
The evening highlighted the finest in British and Irish arts and culture, applauding remarkable accomplishments within the artistic community.
The indie rock group The Last Dinner Party secured the prestigious music award, while Mr Bates Vs The Post Office triumphed in the television category.
Fern Brady received accolades for comedy, and the coming-of-age film How to Have Sex, penned and directed by Molly Manning Walker, garnered the film award.
Fern Brady won best comedian. Pic: Sky Arts
Mia McKenna-Bruce stars in How To Have Sex, which took best film. Pic: MUBI
The firm called Boy Blue received recognition for their contributions to dance, and opera performer Aigul Akhmetshina was honored with The Times breakthrough award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to journalist, author, and public figure Melvyn Bragg, whose extensive career spans six decades.
Each recipient was awarded a statuette designed by artist and comedian Jim Moir, popularly known as Vic Reeves.
Reflecting on the creation of the trophies, Moir noted: “The completed pieces are bronze sculptures standing approximately one foot in height, and with a weight of four kilograms, they will fit perfectly on a mantelpiece… or even serve as a doorstop!”
(R-L) Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves, and his wife Nancy Sorrell at the Sky Arts Awards. Pic: Sky Arts
The Last Dinner Party performing at Leeds Festival 2024. Pic: PA
The evening featured live performances by artists including The Darkness, TikTok sensation Ren, and poet Lemn Sissay.
Additionally, a unique rock collaboration featuring AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and guitarist Slash was presented for the first time.
Notable attendees included Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sheila Hancock, and Lenny Henry.
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Phil Edgar-Jones, the director of Sky Arts, remarked: “We strongly believe that everyone should have access to the arts to enhance our lives and provide us with the joy of a richer experience.
“Whether it be arts, culture, entertainment, music, storytelling, or visual arts, we are convinced it’s something we excel at more than anywhere else globally and at Sky Arts, we will tirelessly advocate for the significance of arts and culture.”
Complete list of Sky Arts Awards recipients:
• Theatre: Ryan Calais Cameron
• Dance: Boy Blue
• Television: Mr Bates Vs The Post Office
• Opera: Death In Venice
• Classical Music: James MacMillan for The Cumnock Tryst 2023
• Comedy: Fern Brady
• Film: How To Have Sex
• Visual Art: Lindsey Mendick
• Poetry: Momtaza Mehri’s Bad Diaspora Poems
• Literature: Paul Murray for The Bee Sting
• Popular Music: The Last Dinner Party
• Arts Hero: Sally Spencer
• The Times Breakthrough: Aigul Akhmetshina
