By Inderpreet Sahota BBC News Online at the Emma Awards

Kwame Kwei-Armah dressed in traditional attire

In front of a full house at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday night, UK R&B singer Jamelia opened the show by belting out an electrifying performance of her hit single Superstar.

The seventh annual Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards, nicknamed the Emmas, are designed to reflect the impact of ethnic minorities in their chosen field. The event was hosted by war reporter Rageh Omaar. With his cool, calm delivery he was a much-adored and competent host.

Dressed in a flattering yellow evening gown, Vanessa Feltz was one of the stars of the show. Clearly surprised at winning the award for best radio news journalist, she questioned: "Is it because I'm Jewish, or is it because I'm going out with a black man?"

Gurinder Chada continued the entertainment when she presented the award for best male actor. The acclaimed director bantered with the audience by asking: "Where are all the brothers? None of the (nominated) actors are black or Asian."

Parminder Nagra wowed the audience

This statement received rapturous applause, and subsequently the audience burst into laughter as Tom Cruise's videophone message of acceptance started rolling.

Actors Kwami Kwei Armah and Meera Syal honoured the awards dressed in traditional attire, and together with esteemed actor Art Malik, they highlighted the essence of what the ceremony signifies.

Though many of the hotly-anticipated artists from the international scene such as Missy Elliot, Beyonce, Sir Ben Kingsley and Ken Watanabe were not present, the saving grace came from The Passion of the Christ actress Maia Morgenstern.

The Romanian star stole the hearts of the audience. During her acceptance speech, Morgenstern found the emotional moment too much to handle. Endearingly, she brought humane warmth to the somewhat calm and collected awards show.

Greg Dyke was named media personality of the year

A special appearance by Bend it like Beckham and ER actress Parminder Nagra, wowed the crowds, as she flew in from the US to accept her award.

Meanwhile, her on-screen hero David Beckham failed to turn up to collect his prize. By this stage of the night however, the audience became familiar with the predictability of absences. Footballer Thierry Henry - who jointly won the sports personality of the year prize - was represented by former footballer John Fashanu.

Former BBC director general Greg Dyke, named media personality of the year, congratulated Omaar for his coverage of the Iraq war.

Retired trade union leader Sir Bill Morris received a standing ovation as he was awarded the lifetime achievement award, and said: "I'm privileged to say that on behalf of all asylum seekers and refugees, I accept this award."

The evening ended on a high note when film director Michael Winner paid tribute to the legacy of Bruce Lee and his martial arts philosophy.