AN AWARDS ceremony recognising excellence in TV, film, games and broadcasting took place in Cardiff over the weekend, with several Gwent figures among the winners.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in Wales, BAFTA Cymru, was held at St David’s Hall in Cardiff to an audience of more than 1,000 guests.

The ceremony – hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter, Huw Stephens – saw 28 awards presented to individuals and projects, including several linked to the 50-year anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.

One such project, Aberfan: The Green Hollow, received three awards including one for Abergavenny-born writer, Owen Sheers.

The film poem was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the disaster and was performed by a range of Welsh actors – including Michael Sheen – and the local community.

First-time nominee Jack Parry-Jones also scooped an award for best actor in the coming of age drama Moon Dogs – directed by Newport-born director Philip John.

Mr Parry-Jones – who has appeared in TV show Da Vinci’s Demons – plays one of two teenage step brothers on a road trip across Scotland before an “enigmatic girl” comes between them.

The ‘News and Current Affairs’ section was won by the BBC project ‘Michael Sheen: The Fight for my Steel Town’ which sees the actor visit the area he grew up, Port Talbot.

The documentary follows the Hollywood star speaking to families and communities and exploring the impact of steelwork job losses on the area.

Caldicot actor, Ian Virgo, also appeared at the ceremony to present an award while a film that he starred in, Lighthouse, picked up an award for special and visual effects.

Other notable wins included Huw Edwards winning his seventh BAFTA Cymru award as a presenter of Aberfan – The Fight For Justice, which also won the award for ‘Single Documentary’.

An ‘Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television’ award was also given to Lord of the Rings actor, John Rhys-Davies.

Presenters on the night included actresses Alexandra Roach and Vicki McClure and actors Tom Cullen and Peter Capaldi.

Director of BAFTA Cymru, Hannah Raybould, added: “Tonight has been a fantastic, vibrant and exciting celebration of the industry excellence we exist to acknowledge.

“We hope that those attending the ceremony and watching the live stream around the world now appreciate the talented individuals who are either working in Wales or those from Wales working on productions across the UK.

“They are truly inspiring and we look forward to working with them to engage with the next generation at our events over the coming year.”

She added:“We have received more entries, welcomed more guests, engaged with more partners and worked with our dedicated committee to ensure that these awards, the pinnacle of the year of production, are a must-attend event and enjoyed by all.

“We look forward to seeing them grow from strength to strength.”

For a full list of winners, visit: www.bafta.org