Among the winners of this year's Carlton Multicultural Achievement Awards were Asian re-mix genius Rishi Rich and BBC Radio 4 presenter Zubeida Malik. The Awards give recognition and respect to the talented and inspirational young people, aged between 16 and 35, who are shaping modern Britain - the role models of the future.

The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted to TV presenter June Sarpong, on Tuesday 21st October at Po Na Na in Hammersmith. Celebrity guest presenters at the event included Nina Wadia, David Harewood, Chris Eubank, Martin Bashir and Floella Benjamin OBE.

There were nine main awards and final shortlists were selected by independent jury panels. Each panel consisted of a Chair and Judges, all experts in their field and major role models themselves for today's generation.

'And the winners in the nine main award categories are...'

Education & Research: Cristalina Fernandes
Fashion & Design: Kurtis Cameron
Film: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Music: Rishi Rich
Performing Arts: Dawn Reid
Politics & Public Life: Cassandra Williams
Publishing: Zadie Smith
Sports: Tony Cesay
Television & Radio: Zubeida Malik

The winners of the two special award categories were also announced at the award ceremony:

Outstanding Contribution to British Business - Sir Anwar Pervez, OBE
Outstanding Contribution to Community Life - Diane Abbott, MP

A programme profiling some of the winners will be screened on ITV1 London on Thursday 20 November at 7.30pm.

THE WINNERS

EDUCATION & RESEARCH

Cristalina Fernandes -is Director of House at Capital City Academy (formally Willesden High School) and extremely loved and respected by her students. She has made a significant difference at the school, being fundamental in improving attainment for all the students, many of whom are refugees, have English as a second language, or have other serious social concerns.

FASHION & DESIGN

Kurtis Cameron - can't remember a time when he didn't make his own clothes. He set up his own 'urban chic' designer fashion label, Cameron, with help from The Princes Trust in 1999. His innovative, fresh yet functional menswear is available in stores all over the UK and Tokyo, including Harvey Nichols and Urban Outfitters.

FILM

Chiwetel Ejiofor - one of the hottest actors of his generation, has received rave reviews for his performances since his TV debut in 1996. Steven Speilberg cast him in the historical drama Amistad and he attracted the attention of other filmmakers whilst balancing his work with theatre projects. Recently Chiwetel starred in Stephen Frears' film Dirty Pretty Things and can soon be seen in Love Actually and Slow Burn.

MUSIC

Rishi Rich - cut his first record deal at the tender age of 13. Since then, he has established himself as a talented producer, working with the likes of Craig David and Mis-Teeq. His recent collaboration with vocalist Juggy D and rapper Jay Sean, as the Rishi Rich Project, created a real industry "buzz"!

PERFORMING ARTS

Dawn Reid - started her career at Theatre Royal Stratford East, where she is now resident director. Dawn's most successful project to date is the hugely successful Funny Black Women on the Edge with Angie Le Mar. She is also involved with the Spare Tyre Theatre Company, a community based theatre offering training and educational opportunities.

POLITICS & PUBLIC LIFE

Cassandra Williams is a strident and committed campaigner against gun crime, particularly in her local community of Lambeth. She regularly visits schools to talk about gun crime and has worked tirelessly in Brixton to ensure that communities felt safe enough to say they will no longer allow the destruction of the young.

PUBLISHING

Zadie Smith - has written two best-selling novels: White Teeth, and The Autograph Man. Both books tackle multicultural issues, and she has a large and appreciative audience. She was short listed for the Orange Prize 2003 and chosen by Granta as one of the Best of Young British Novelists 2003.

SPORT

Tony Cesay - became an International boxer for England, having trained at the renowned Repton Boxing club in Bethnal Green. In 2002 he became a 'social entrepreneur', when he founded the Kid Gloves organisation, putting his skill and enthusiasm into teaching kids in his local community how self discipline in sport can help them maintain a healthy existence.

TELEVISION & RADIO

Zubeida Malik - is a multi-award winning journalist for the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. She brings listeners brave investigative news and was one of the first reporters to get into Pakistan after September 11th arriving just 24 hours later. She was also the first British journalist to interview the Taliban during the war on terrorism.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRITISH BUSINESS

Sir Anwar Pervez - began his career with one convenience store in Earls Court. He established the Bestway Group in the mid 1970's and now has 28 branches of Bestway Cash & Carry, various property investments and recently a stake in one of the top five banks in Pakistan. With total group sales of over £1 billion last year, he supports numerous charities through the Bestway Foundation, and was awarded a Knights Bachelor in 1999 for his services to business.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY LIFE

Diane Abbot MP - became Britain's first ever black female MP in 1987 and has been an inspiration to all ever since with her dedication and passion for what she believes in. She is currently Chair of the All-Party Group on Race and Community and the All-Party British Caribbean Group. She's also a special advisor to the Mayor of London's cabinet and involved in various community campaigns, including founding London Schools and the Black Child in her home constituency of Hackney.

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