Lost Boys & Fairies won all three contemporary design awards at the inaugural Ember Awards last week, as Wales's screen craft community gathered at Hilton Cardiff to celebrate the artists and teams behind the worlds audiences see on screen.
The production's winners were Keith Andrew Dunne for Production Design, Andrew Cox for Costume Design and Emma Cowen for Hair & Make-up Design, with recognition shared by their named co-creatives. Welsh short film Mudlark took two Short Form awards, for Max Van de Banks's Production Design and Rosi Flood's Costume Design; Betsan Dafydd won Hair & Make-up Design for Beyond.
The Atemporal awards recognised Tim Dickel's Production Design for Mr. Burton, Ray Holman's Costume Design for Rivals and Mirna Curak's Hair & Make-up Design for Dope Girls, alongside their named co-creatives where applicable.
Created by Screen Craft Guild Cymru and presented in partnership with Lead Partner Bristol Costume Services, the awards were voted for by screen craft practitioners, recognising excellence across nine categories. Host Rakie Ayola was joined by award presenters Gwyneth Keyworth and actor and presenter Justine Jones.
Emotional acceptance speeches captured what recognition from fellow practitioners meant to the winners. The polished, glittering evening had a warmly inclusive spirit, with the room full of affection, respect and pride in the work and the people who make it.
The opening film, Why Craft Matters, featured recorded messages of support, including Michael Sheen's tribute to the screen crafts:
“It's what makes a production. Without it we would have nothing.”
Writer and producer Russell T Davies offered his support with an image inspired by the awards' name:
“And I like your name, because I think an ember becomes a spark, becomes a flame, becomes a fire, becomes an inferno for the whole industry to see.”
Guild Chair Hayley Nebauer told guests:
“When excellence is achieved, it is achieved through the talent, support and collective effort of the people working alongside us.”
Jerry Lockett received the inaugural Ember Award for Craft Ally, presented by Sgil Cymru, honouring nearly three decades of practical support, kindness and opportunities for others behind the scenes.
The trophies were designed by Awards Director Samantha Cliff and made by Ember Trophy Craft Partner Hornet Film Services, whose own work creates sets and props for film and television in Wales.
Developed in just six months through the efforts of volunteers, partners and supporters, the first Ember Awards gave Wales's screen craft community a new platform to celebrate its achievements after a difficult period for the industry. Celebrations continued with an after-party featuring the Platinum Show Band.
This event has received funding and support from Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
