AWARDS | INTERNATIONAL EVENTS | BUSINESS | CONTENT
Deborah Williams, CEO of the UK’s Creative Diversity Network (CDN), will receive the ‘Behind The Scenes Impact’ award.
She has worked for greater inclusion in the television, film and theater industries as an artist, activist and, latterly, as an inclusive policymaker.
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The RX organizers of MIPCOM in Cannes have already announced to the media the nominations for the Diversify TV Awards 2023, along with other details related to this year’s awards ceremony that will take place during the second day of the 39th International Content Market of Entertainment and Co-production (October 16-19 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes).
The awards that recognize the promotion of diversity and inclusion in international television received 165 nominations from 27 countries.
Deborah Williams
The recipient will be Chief Executive of the UK’s Creative Diversity Network (CDN), Deborah Williams, in recognition of a three-decade career driving change in perceptions of disability and greater inclusion in the television, film and entertainment industries. theater as an artist, activist and, lately, as an inclusive policymaker.
The 7th Diversify TV Awards are organized by MIPCOM in collaboration with founding partner Diversify TV and in association with A+E Networks and Gracenote. Partners for the 2023 awards also include All3Media International, Iron Mountain, Telefilm Canada and The Canada Media Fund, OUTtv, The United Nations Media Compact, DIMES and Lightboat Media, among other companies and organizations.
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The awards will be presented during a new prime time slot on the MIPCOM Cannes program on Tuesday 17 October at midday and will once again be presented by international presenter and diversity advocate, Femi Oke. Open to all MIPCOM delegates, the ceremony will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes and will be followed by a cocktail party.
Lucy Smith, directora de MIPCOM Cannes y MIPJunior
“Progress in diversity and inclusion will be achieved by showing, not telling,” says Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes and MIPJunior, adding “These awards showcase a variety of programs and people who have promoted authentic representation around the world over the past year.” (and in the case of Deborah Williams the last thirty years), before an influential audience from more than 100 countries,” said Lucy Smith.
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Who is DEBORAH WILLIAMS?
Deborah Williams’ work as a disabled artist has spanned work in front of and behind the scenes, in television, film and theater and as an influential policy architect in the wider creative industries; including advising the ONU and UNICEF on the rights of disabled people within cultural activities and developing the British Film Institute (BFI) diversity standards, which have since been widely adopted by organizations such as BAFTA and AMPAS.
As chief executive of CDN UK, Williams has led the broadcaster-funded charity to support the country’s television industry in promoting, celebrating and sharing best practice around diversity since 2016.
“I am honored to receive this award from Diversify TV as someone who has fought to highlight the best talent from diverse backgrounds to make our industry more creative. Increasing diversity on and off screen is a global challenge,” said Deborah Williams.
Femi Oke
Femi Oke, returning for her second year as a presenter, has worked for broadcasters such as CNN International, Sky, National Geographic, NPR, Al Jazeera English and the BBC. A frequent moderator at global forums and conferences, Oke is the co-founder of Moderate The Panel, an agency dedicated to finding exceptional event hosts, panel moderators, and speakers around the world.
Finalists were shortlisted by the MIP Markets Diversity Advisory Board and Short List Jury, comprised of international industry professionals, and winners will be chosen by a Final Round Jury comprised of Diversity organizations, leaders and publications. and Inclusion, including The ADHD Foundation, APF France Handicap, GADIM, GLAAD, Minority Rights Group International, ODA, Scope, Show Racism the Red Card and True Colors United.
See more and the nominees click here.
Redacción TVMAS