Alison Hammond was honoured at the 2022 Ethnicity Awards earlier this evening.
The popular This Morning presenter, 47, picked up the Host of the Year prize at the star-studded event, with Olympians Sir Mo Farah and Dina Asher-Smith and comedian Sir Lenny Henry also scopping major honours.
Alison narrowly missed out on the National Television Award for Best Presenter earlier this month, as Geordie duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly took home the prize for 21st consecutive year during the ceremony.
But the star was the big winner at the 2022 Ethnicity Awards, with Alison's award being presented to her on stage by the evening's star host Judi Love and Paul Sinha from The Chase.
The ceremony took place against the backdrop of a tumultuous year in the UK which has featured serious race storms, hate crimes and incidents of discrimination.
Loose Women star and comedian Judi - who recently opened up about the misogynoir Black women experience - hosted the ceremony as songstress Emeli Sande and Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe also honoured.
Sir Lenny Henry was awarded the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award as a committed leader in championing racial equality and standing up for communities across his life in the public eye, while Sir Mo Farah won a Sports Trailblazer Award for his consistent, honest and important use of his platform to speak out against all forms of discrimination in order to advance the bringing about of real change.
Farah said: "In my career, I have always tried to be a great role model to the younger generation of colour and show them what is possible through hard work and trying your best.
"That’s all we can do. These awards are very important to recognise the hard work that goes into this.
"I’m thrilled to accept this award, thank you all. Love."
Emeli Sande, meanwhile, won the coveted Music Artist of the Year award which was handed to her by Sinitta. She said: "To be acknowledged for my contribution in the music field and fighting discrimination and equality, means so much to me.
"I wanted to say a massive, massive thank you."
The big charity award was presented by glamourous Eastenders actress Gurlaine Kaur Garcha to Muslim Council of Britain for their work to empower Muslim communities to achieve a just, coheisve and successful British society.
TV presenter Angellica Bell handed Naomi and Natalie Evans, who run social account Everyday Racism, with the Online Influencer of the Year accolade.
The likes of Dermot O’Leary, Shirley Ballas and Linda Robson all turned out in support while other winners on the night included Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson, who succeeded Sir Vince Cable in her Twickenham constituency, with the politician attending to collect the Public Service or Campaigner of the Year prize - handed out by Eastenders actress Nina Wadia.
Speaking about the evening, founder of the Ethnicity Awards, Sarah Garrett MBE, said: "The 2022 Ethnicity Awards have taken place towards the end of a very poignant year. The events involving Chris Kaba, alone, show why Black and Ethnic Minority people, who are using their platform to make a difference and promote equality for all, deserve to be recognised and that is why the Ethnicity Awards remain as important as ever.
"All of the winners are incredibly deserving and it has been wonderful to recognise some of our true national treasures like Sir Mo Farah, Sir Lenny Henry, Alison Hammond and Dina Asher-Smith."
Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, added: "HSBC UK is incredibly proud to be the long-time founding partner of the Investing in Ethnicity Awards – recognising individuals and organisations advancing equality and opportunity for people from Black and ethnic minority communities.
"We value difference, and understand that an inclusive and diverse workforce is vital to building a successful, sustainable business. We are championing inclusivity, removing barriers, and seeking out views different from our own to open a world of opportunity for our people, customers and the wider communities we serve.
"It was another year of outstanding nominees -- congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted."
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