Tanya Batson-Savage,Freelance Writer 
Alwin Bully weas a well deserved smile. Nominated four times in this year's awards and won twice (Best Special Effects 'Moses' and Best Director 'Purlie'). Bully was also honoured for his contribution to the awards development - WINSTON SILL/ FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
ACCOLADES ASIDE, one of the most interesting things about awards shows can be what people have to say once they get a statuette in their hands. The Actor Boy Awards, staged by the Jamaican Centre of the International Theatre Institute (ITI,) was no different.
The event was staged at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive on Tuesday and saw 18 awards being given out in a gala event which brought together thespians and even a sprinkling from sports (Sherone Simpson) and music (Mr. Lexx).
The acceptance speeches ranged from the ultra simple and effective "thanks everybody" from Michael McDonald (Best Lighting Design - 'Iffa Nuh So') to Owen Ellis' hilarious delivery.
BEST COMEDY
Ellis, along with Ity, received the award for Best Comedy for the revue Tings A Gwaan. "I'm totally and completely shocked," said Ellis.
"First, I would like to thank Jambiz ('Ras Noah and the Hawk') for not winning the award. Because to be in category with Oliver Samuels for Best Comedy and win... tings a gwaan." The audience laughed in delight at the pun.
Barbara McCalla's acceptance also brought a smile. "I'm very happy that the institute has decided to give me this award while I can still walk," she said. McCalla earned the Best Actress in a Lead Role award ('Toy Boy').
Alwin Bully, who was thrice awarded on the night, put a serious spin on the value of theatre. Bully earned the Best Special Effects ('Moses') and Best Director ('Purlie') awards. He was also given a special award for his contribution to the Actor Boy Awards.
He said of theatre: "It sort of grabs you by the neck and pulls you and spins you around and says do your best work, do your best work every time." He dedicated his Best Director award to his late son, Perron, and noted that theatre had helped rehabilitate him to life after his offspring's passing.
