Nominees went home with certificates as per nomination. PHOTO/ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
The iKon Awards last Saturday hosted the iKon Awards nominees to a special luncheon at Divine Resort Beach, Mukono ahead of the third edition of the awards. The luncheon served as a briefing to the nominees to communicate key details about the awards night, as well as celebrating them for their achievements.
The day started with invited guests, organising team and nominees who were categorised as the Class of 2025 getting a starter cocktail before they went for a photo moment in each category.
This photo moment was important because it would be used on the walk of fame at the main function of the awards ceremony.
As part of the communication, Usama Mukwaya, the producer of the iKon Awards and director of operations at the ikon Inspire Foundation, spoke about the challenges they received during the selection of the movies that made it to the final nomination list before giving advice to people in the field.
Among the challenges he sighted included people submitting films without screener, films with no contact details, including emails or incorrect and outdated contacts, films without synopsis, with wrong spellings and no credits and submitting old films, among others.
“It is free entry for submission at the iKon awards but we need to use the opportunities availed to us. It being a free entry affair does not mean you need to take these entries for granted. You should take things seriously because it is your work at the end of the day. You need to follow the steps correctly and submit completed formgs,” Mukwaya said.
He also spoke about the importance of luncheons for film makers as it helps in networking and connections.
After his submissions, a quiz session was posed to the audience. Different pictures of movies were displayed on the screens and the audience had to guess which movie it was. Winners would then receive gift hampers from some of the sponsors.
Despite the evening being termed as a ‘luncheon’, guests only got to grab something to eat past 6pm but the bar was open until late, with cocktails and other drinks available for free.
The highlight of the evening was awarding certificates to all the nominees in the 22 categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director of Photography, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Editor, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Special Effects, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Animation Film, Best TV Series, Best Actor in a TV Series, Best Actress in a TV Series, Best Student Film, and Ikon Rising Star.
Some nominees went away with more than one certificate, for example Nana Kagga, Izaek Ekuka and Doreen Mirembe, among others.
During interludes, band Imba played some cover songs to keep the audience entertained throughout the evening.
