The announcement of nominees for the Metro Pride Awards to honour outstanding contributions across multiple sectors, including entertainment, sports, and activism has been made. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 26, 2025, coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month, a significant time for celebrating LGBTQ+ heritage and achievements.
Among the prominent figures included in the nominee list are actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, and Ncuti Gatwa, who is set to star as the next Doctor in the long-running series Doctor Who. Athlete Beth Mead, who has made headlines for her achievements in women’s football, also appears as a nominee. In a noteworthy inclusion, drag icon RuPaul is featured, emphasising the event's commitment to recognising diverse contributions to the community.
The full list encapsulates a broad spectrum of talents and advocates. Other high-profile names nominated for Celebrity of the Year include esteemed figures such as Andrew Scott, known for Fleabag, and Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue. Both are recognised not only for their artistic pursuits but also for their significant influence in championing LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.
The sporting category brings together notable athletes such as Olympian Tom Daley, openly gay football player Jack Daniels, and boxer Cindy Ngamba, each celebrated for their achievements and advocacy. In the music realm, artists including DJ Fat Tony, Lizzo, and Olly Alexander are nominated, reflecting their impact on both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
The Metro Pride Awards also recognise grassroots organisations and charities that play a pivotal role in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Nominations include prominent entities like the youth charity Just Like Us and the queer homelessness charity akt. Corporate nominations aim to highlight businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to inclusivity, with companies such as Evri, Amazon, and Klarna featuring on the list.
Metro’s Executive Editor, Richard Hartley Parkinson, expressed pride in presenting a diverse and inspiring range of nominees. He stated that the awards aim to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community across various sectors while fostering a sense of unity and recognition of progress made within the movement.
Voting for the Metro Pride Awards will involve input from the public, alongside a panel of judges tasked with determining the winners across multiple categories. The plan promises a historic celebration of LGBTQ+ achievements, galvanising support and visibility for community members and allies alike.
The nominee categories include Celebrity of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year, Music Hero, Sports Hero, and many more, capturing the breadth of influence across various fields. A full shortlist has been made available for anyone interested in participating in the voting process.
The Metro Pride Awards is set to become an important event in the LGBTQ+ calendar, showcasing the achievements of individuals, organisations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the community. As the ceremony approaches, anticipation builds around the names that will be celebrated for their influence and dedication to furthering LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
Source: Noah Wire Services