The Emmas are about paying respect to the those who are working within the media

Richard Blackwood

The BT Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards (Emma) are being hosted by comedians Richard Blackwood and Nina Wadia at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday.

The awards are designed to reflect the impact of ethnic minorities in their chosen field.

Among those nominated are Craig David, Eddie Murphy, Denise Lewis, Destiny's Child and Lucy Liu.

Awards will be given in several categories including film, music, TV, art, journalism and entertainment.

Lifetime achievement

Performances at the event will come from artists such as Vanessa Mae, Damage and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

This is the fourth annual Emma ceremony and will be broadcast on BBC Two on Saturday.

Film-maker Sir Richard Attenborough will be presented with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his life-long campaign against racism.

His film Cry Freedom helped bring the injustices of the apartheid system in South America to the world's attention.

Respect

Blackwood himself is nominated for three awards - best comedian, media personality of the year and best TV entertainment production for The Richard Blackwood Show.

He said: "The Emmas are about paying respect to the those who are working within the media.

"The awards ceremony has come to the forefront but showing what people have been doing for a long time.

"I would like to see a time when a separate award ceremony is not necessary but I don't think I'll see it in my lifetime.

"It is not just for ethnic minorities but for people who have made a contribution to multiculturalism."