Winners of The Spotlight Prize 2024, Alyssa Thabisile Sibanda (left) of Bristol Old Vic for Best Actor in Stage and Senam Akpokavi (right) for Best Actor in Screen.
Photo credit: Spotlight
18.07.2024
Last night drama and acting students from around the UK gathered for the annual Spotlight Prize award. ArtsEd is delighted to announce that Senam Akpokavi, a graduate of our BA Hons in Acting class of 2024, won the prestigious 2024 Spotlight Prize for Best Actor in Screen.
This remarkable achievement highlights Senam’s exceptional talent and dedication. This was a highly contested award with graduates from over 70 universities and drama schools competing for the prize.
The Spotlight Prize, held annually since the 1950s, is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging actors in the UK. The competition provides a platform for graduating students to showcase their skills before an audience of industry professionals, including casting directors, agents, and renowned actors. Winners receive a £2000 prize and the opportunity to join a distinguished list of past recipients who have made significant strides in the industry.
Find out more about The Spotlight Prize here
Senam’s victory follows in the footsteps of notable Spotlight Prize alumni such as Jodie Whittaker, known for her role in “Doctor Who”; Ben Whishaw, acclaimed for “Skyfall” and “Paddington”; and Dame Judi Dench, an iconic figure in film and theatre. This year’s judges for the Screen category included top casting directors like Nicky Bligh, Olivia Brittain, and Denise Chamian, who praised the high calibre of performances from all finalists.
“We are extremely proud of Senam Akpokavi winning the Spotlight Screen Prize. His performances on screen and stage were outstanding last night. He has been a wonderful student to teach, and we wish him all the very best for the future”
Kim Vithana, Director of the School of Acting
Throughout his final year at ArtsEd, Senam showcased his versatility and range in various productions and screen performances, impressing audiences with each of his performances. His dedication and hard work culminated in a stellar screen performance that earned him this distinguished accolade. Senam’s credits for his final year performances include:
- Frankie in So Here We Are (stage) by Luke Norris, Directed by Joshua Parr and performed on the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre from 3-7 October 2023
- Khalil in Survival of the Thickest (screen), Directed by Marnie Baxter and shocased at The Chiswick Cinema on 8 February 2024
- Mr Voysey in The Voysey Inheritance (stage) by Harley Granville-Barket, Directed by Lucy Jane Atkinson and performed on the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre from 14-18 May 2024
- Pete in Sock of Terror (screen) by April Kelley, Directed by Tom Colley and showcased at The Chiswick Cinema on 19 June 2024
You can watch Senam’s showreel Survival of the Thickest here and view productions shots of Senam’s performances below.
The Spotlight Prize has a history of propelling its winners to successful careers in the arts. Previous winners have starred in major TV shows and films, performed on renowned stages such as The Globe and the National Theatre, and joined prestigious companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company.
Senam’s achievement is a testament to the quality of training and support provided by ArtsEd’s BA Acting programme and his dedication and hardwork. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and eagerly anticipate his future successes in the performing arts industry.
Find Out More About Our School of Acting
Discover the wide range of acting programmes offered at ArtsEd’s School of Acting. Whether you’re looking to start your journey with our Part-Time Foundation in Acting, delve deeper with the Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) in Acting, pursue a comprehensive education with the BA (Hons) in Acting, or advance your skills with the MA in Acting, we have the perfect course to shape your future career on stage and screen.
