The entertainment industry thrives on creativity, diversity, and exceptional talent, and few events captured those values quite like the 2017 IARA Awards. Held on September 2, 2017, the fourth edition of the International Achievement Recognition Awards (IARA) brought together nearly 400 distinguished guests to celebrate achievements across theatre, music, film, television, fashion, and radio.
In researching the history of entertainment awards, I found the 2017 IARA ceremony particularly fascinating because it recognized both established stars and rising talents from different backgrounds and cultures. That commitment to equality and inclusion is one of the reasons the awards have gained international recognition.
Overview
The 4th IARA (International Achievement Recognition Awards) ceremony took place on September 2, 2017, in London, celebrating outstanding talent and diversity in theatre, music, film/TV, and fashion.
Below is the complete list of the 2017 award winners:
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See More: The Fashion Awards 2017 A Night of Style, Change, and Global Fashion Excellence
What Are the IARA Awards?
The International Achievement Recognition Awards, commonly known as the IARA Awards, were established to honor excellence, innovation, diversity, and equality in the entertainment industry.
Unlike many award ceremonies that focus on a single area, the IARA Awards recognize achievements in:
- Theatre
- Film
- Television
- Music
- Fashion
- Radio
In my experience researching entertainment events, award programs that celebrate a broad range of creative industries often provide opportunities for emerging talents alongside established names. The IARA Awards have consistently embraced that philosophy.
Meet The 2017 IARA Awards Winners
Best Actor
One of the most prestigious categories of the evening went to Anthony Boyle for his remarkable performance in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
His stage work helped establish him as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
Best Actress
Terry Pheto claimed the award for Best Actress for her role in A United Kingdom.
The South African actress enjoyed an outstanding year, demonstrating why she has become one of the most respected performers in international cinema.
Best Emerging Actor
Olisa Odele earned recognition for his work in the E4 comedy series Chewing Gum.
The award highlighted the importance of nurturing fresh talent within the entertainment industry.
Best Emerging Actress
Seraphina Beh received the award for Best Emerging Actress thanks to her performances in BBC’s EastEnders.
The recognition marked an important milestone in her acting career.
Television and Drama Winners
Best Actor in TV/Drama
James Floyd won for his performance in ITV’s Good Karma Hospital.
His portrayal captivated audiences and demonstrated the growing popularity of British television drama.
Best Actress in TV/Drama
Terry Pheto added another trophy to her collection for her work in BET’s Nelson Mandela.
Winning two major categories during the same ceremony showcased her exceptional versatility.
Best Young Actor in Film, TV and Drama
Danny Walters, another familiar face from BBC’s EastEnders, secured this category.
His performances continued to establish him among Britain’s emerging television stars.
Best Young Actress in Film, TV and Drama
Kiran Sonia Sawar was honored for her memorable role in Murdered By My Father.
Her powerful performance received widespread praise and further elevated her profile.
Best Director – TV or Drama
Douglas Mackinnon received recognition for directing Sherlock.
His contribution to the acclaimed series reinforced why Sherlock remains one of the most beloved television productions of modern times.
International Categories
One aspect I particularly admire about the IARA Awards is their international perspective.
Best International Actor
OC Ukeje won for his role in The Arbitration.
His success reflected the increasing influence of African cinema on the global stage.
Best International Actress
Nse Ikpe Etim received the award for her performance in Tess.
The actress has become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated performers, and this recognition further cemented her status.
Theatre Excellence at the IARA Awards
Theatre has always occupied a special place within the entertainment world, and the 2017 ceremony featured several memorable winners.
Best Male Stage Performance
Adam J Bernard won for his role in Dreamgirls.
His energetic performance made him one of the standout stars of London’s theatre scene.
Best Female Stage Performance
Lucy St. Louis was recognized for her contribution to Motown.
Her achievement represented another important moment for diversity in musical theatre.
Best Dance Act
Luke Ahmet earned the award for The Creation.
Dance continues to play an essential role in storytelling and artistic expression, and his work exemplified that beautifully.
Best Theatre Director
Bruce Guthrie won for directing Rent the Musical.
His vision helped bring renewed energy to one of the world’s most popular productions.
Best Choreographer
Lee Proud also received recognition for his work on Rent the Musical.
Great choreography often goes unnoticed, but it is fundamental to creating unforgettable stage experiences.
Best Playwright
John O’Donovan secured the award for his play If We Got Some More Cocaine I Could Show You How I Love You.
The title alone certainly catches your attention—and the writing itself proved equally impressive.
Film Categories and Creative Achievement
Best Original Screenplay
Duncan Paveling won for My Feral Heart.
The screenplay was praised for its emotional depth and originality.
Best Short Film Director
Charlotte Regan earned the award for directing Standby.
Her storytelling abilities would later contribute to her emergence as one of Britain’s exciting filmmaking talents.
Best Feature or Independent Film
My Feral Heart, directed by Jane Gull, received recognition as Best Feature or Independent Film.
Independent cinema often faces significant challenges, making achievements like this especially noteworthy.
I was skeptical at first when exploring lesser-known British films, but My Feral Heart quickly proved why independent productions deserve greater attention.
Fashion Category
Best Fashion Designer
Joshua Kane claimed the fashion award.
Known for his distinctive tailoring and creativity, Kane’s work has become synonymous with modern British style.
Fashion and entertainment frequently overlap, and designers like Joshua Kane help shape the visual identity of performers and productions alike.
Music Winners of 2017
Music categories brought together artists from different genres and backgrounds.
Best New Music Act
Geovarn emerged victorious, highlighting the importance of supporting fresh voices within the music industry.
Best Music Album
Shaun Escoffery won for his album Evergreen.
The album demonstrated his ability to combine soulful melodies with meaningful songwriting.
Best UK Music Artist
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie captured the award after gaining popularity among British audiences.
Their infectious energy and unique sound helped them stand out.
Best UK Afrobeat Artist
Ike Chucks received recognition in a category that showcased the increasing popularity of Afrobeat music in Britain.
Best African Music Artist
Adekunle Gold secured the award and continued his rise as one of Africa’s most influential musicians.
Looking back now, it’s interesting to see how artists like Adekunle Gold have gone on to enjoy even greater international success.
Radio Excellence
Radio remains one of the most influential forms of media.
Best FM Radio Station
The Beat London 103.6FM received recognition for its contribution to broadcasting and music culture.
Best UK FM Radio DJ
DJ Ace of BBC 1Xtra won the award for his exceptional work behind the microphone.
His style and connection with listeners made him one of the UK’s most recognizable radio personalities.
Why the 2017 IARA Awards Were Important
The 2017 ceremony represented much more than a collection of trophies.
It celebrated:
- Diversity within entertainment.
- Equality and inclusion.
- Emerging stars and established performers.
- International collaboration.
- Independent filmmaking.
- African music and cinema.
- Theatre excellence.
- Innovation and creativity.
After comparing numerous entertainment awards over the years, I found that the IARA Awards stood out because of their strong commitment to recognizing talent from various cultures and artistic disciplines.
Common Questions People Have
Many people wonder whether the IARA Awards focus solely on British talent.
The answer is no.
The ceremony recognizes performers and creators from around the world, which explains why international categories have always been such an important part of the event.
Another common question concerns emerging talent.
Unlike some award ceremonies dominated by established celebrities, the IARA Awards consistently provide opportunities for newcomers to receive recognition.
Quick Takeaways
- The 4th IARA Awards took place in London on September 2, 2017.
- Nearly 400 guests attended the ceremony.
- The event celebrated excellence across theatre, music, film, television, fashion, and radio.
- Diversity and equality remained central themes.
- Terry Pheto was among the biggest winners of the evening.
- My Feral Heart enjoyed success in multiple categories.
- African artists and international performers received significant recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Best Actor at the 2017 IARA Awards?
Anthony Boyle won Best Actor for his performance in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Which film won Best Feature or Independent Film?
My Feral Heart, directed by Jane Gull, received the award for Best Feature or Independent Film.
When and where were the 2017 IARA Awards held?
The fourth International Achievement Recognition Awards ceremony took place on September 2, 2017, in London.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the 2017 IARA Awards showcased the very best of entertainment while emphasizing diversity, innovation, and equality. From Anthony Boyle and Terry Pheto to Adekunle Gold and Joshua Kane, the ceremony honored an impressive collection of talent spanning multiple industries.
For anyone interested in film, television, theatre, music, or fashion, the 2017 IARA Awards remain a fascinating example of how creativity can bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Have thoughts about the 2017 winners or a favorite performance from that year? Feel free to share your opinions and join the conversation. I’d love to hear which winner stood out most to you.
