Nelson Mandela won the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Emmas

Scary Spice is patron of Blackliners, a London-based charity which provides sexual health and HIV support to people of Asian, African and Caribbean origin.

Da Ali G Show on Channel 4 - the brainchild of Jewish comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays the controversial character - was voted best TV entertainment production.

Click here for a full list of winners.

Mr Mandela was given a special lifetime achievement award, recognising his influence on the UK's ethnic communities.

It was collected on his behalf by anti-racism campaigner Doreen Lawrence, in acknowledgement of his support in the campaign for justice for her son Stephen, who was murdered in London in 1993.

In a statement read out at Monday night's ceremony, Mr Mandela said he was "thrilled" by the honour.

Winners: Angela Griffin and David Harewood

"I accept it on behalf of all the people of South Africa who have contributed to the freedom of my people, and all the people inside and outside our country who have secured the peaceful transition of this country and turned it into a free society," he said.

Achievement

The awards, now in their third year, seek to recognise professional achievement and celebrate multiculturalism across the British media.

They were presented at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London - after voting by the public and a specially-selected panel..

Other celebrity winners included Holby City star Angela Griffin, who was voted best actress, and David Harewood - from ITV drama The Vice - who won the male equivalent.

The Matrix was chosen as best film production, London's Kiss 100 was named Best Radio Station and there was also success for veteran Mexican musician Santana, who won best international music act or production.

The performer has recently returned to the spotlight with his award-winning album Supernatural.

Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G wins prize

Sharon Grant, widow of the late Labour MP Bernie Grant, also received a special presentation in memory of his lifelong commitment to multiculturalism in the UK.

It was presented by Labour MPs Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng and Keith Vaz.

Guests at the event included Culture Secretary Chris Smith, Conservative Party leader William Hague and former England footballer John Barnes.

Click here for a full list of winners.