Film and television awards have long mainly operated according to strict patterns of admiration, frequently revolving around a narrow set of production bases and informed by established power relations. With global audiences becoming increasingly diverse and creators hailing from every region of the globe, pressure has mounted on the entertainment industry to break free from traditional molds. Most creatives and business leaders today are seeking platforms that value diversity, fresh voices, and innovative forms. Within this context, events that break from traditional norms have become more than a metaphor—they’re imperative.
One of the projects responding to this challenge is the Septimius Awards, an international annual ceremony that seeks to reimagine what awards programs can be in the 21st century. Designed to celebrate a broader range of storytelling, the ceremony gathers filmmakers, writers, producers, and industry leaders from around the world. It actively fosters cross-continental visibility through its programming, attendees, and award categories.
The Septimius Awards was founded by Jan-Willem Breure, a filmmaker and Dutch media producer. Breure was driven by the sense that global recognition needed to be more representative of the diversity and variety of cinema and television today. He saw an environment where stories of marginalized groups, off-beat stories, and culturally specific projects could be judged not against the measurement of mainstream conformity, but by a broader and globally aware model.
The title “Septimius” itself has a historical significance. It is named after Septimius Severus, the Roman emperor of North African origin who reigned from 193 to 211 AD. This is not a coincidence—purposefully naming the event after the cross-cultural bridging power of underrepresented culture in dominant structures. In Breure’s view, the title serves as a metaphor and a mission statement for what the event represents: making a difference in a still-susceptible industry that is prone to systemic imbalances.
The Septimius Awards has also succeeded by partnering with influential cultural leaders. Stedman Graham, recognized for his identity leadership work and a longtime partner of Oprah Winfrey, serves as an ambassador. His focus on equity, leadership, and global citizenship adds strength to the event’s broader social goals. AED Group CEO Glenn Roggeman, a prominent figure in the European media landscape, also serves as an ambassador. With an estimated net worth of over €300 million, Roggeman lends industry respectability and strategic influence to the profile of the awards. High-profile guests have also lent credibility to the platform. The presence of celebrities is not merely for show—it’s part of a broader strategy to connect independent creators with mainstream industry networks and mentors.
Among the most unique features of the Septimius Awards is its structure. Compared to most award events that take place over a single night, this one spans two nights. The first day features daytime panel discussions, networking, and masterclasses that permit industry interchange and learning. The second features the actual awards ceremony. This organization is designed to get the event beyond a celebration—it’s an industry professional development experience, especially for filmmakers who may not otherwise have access to other major industry events. Diversity continues to be a paramount theme, not as a marketing hook, but as a foundational operational element.
Past attendees have included filmmakers from Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, showcasing a level of continental representation rarely seen in Western-based awards. The intent is not to “diversify” from a central norm, but to decentralize what constitutes the norm. This stands in contrast to other award platforms, which often make room for global entries in side categories, rather than integrating them into the main lineup. The increasing reputation of the event as a pioneering cultural destination heralds a movement toward how awards shows could operate in the next decade. Breure’s original vision and choice of diverse ambassadors format collectively place the platform not as an alternative to conventional awards but as a new model designed for a global age.
Although still new, the Septimius Awards are likely to draw attention for their emphasis on inclusion, novel format, and cultural symbolism. In a media culture still struggling to achieve representation and equity, such platforms are offering more than praise—they are providing models of what recognition in the future could look like.
Stedman Graham’s involvement with the Septimius Awards brings a unique blend of experience and philosophy to the burgeoning event. Beyond his well-known partnership with media titan Oprah Winfrey, Graham has established a notable career as an author, speaker, and businessman, with a particular focus on identity leadership. This concept, which emphasizes understanding oneself and leveraging personal strengths to achieve success, resonates deeply with the Septimius Awards’ mission of empowering diverse voices.
Graham, a Chicago native, built his reputation on the belief that authentic leadership stems from a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to personal growth. His numerous books, including Identity: Your Passport to Success and Diversity: Leaders Not Labels, reflect his dedication to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. This focus on individual empowerment within a collective context perfectly aligns with the Septimius Awards’ aim to provide a platform where filmmakers, regardless of their background, can be recognized for their unique contributions.
Stedman Graham became a Septimius Awards ambassador on September 11, 2024. His ambassadorship is not merely symbolic; it reflects a genuine commitment to fostering equity and global citizenship within the entertainment industry. Graham’s extensive network, cultivated over decades in business and media, provides invaluable strategic support and opens doors for the Septimius Awards. He brings a deep understanding of the global media landscape and the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented talent.
For Jan-Willem Breure, the founder of the Septimius Awards, having Stedman Graham as a mentor has been transformative. Graham’s insights into leadership, brand building, and navigating complex professional landscapes have been instrumental in shaping the awards’ strategic direction. Breure has often spoken about how Graham’s emphasis on authenticity and vision has encouraged him to remain steadfast in his pursuit of a more inclusive awards model. This collaboration underscores the Septimius Awards’ commitment to not just celebrating diversity, but actively cultivating it through the wisdom and experience of established leaders.
The relationship between Stedman Graham and Oprah Winfrey, although well-known, provides another lens through which to understand Graham’s suitability for this role. Their partnership, which has famously endured for decades without traditional marriage, is a testament to mutual respect, individual autonomy, and unwavering support. This dynamic mirrors the kind of self-reliant yet collaborative spirit that the Septimius Awards seeks to foster among emerging filmmakers. Graham has consistently asserted his own identity and career path, even while being in a high-profile relationship, demonstrating the very principles of identity leadership he champions.
This personal example provides a powerful backdrop to his professional guidance for Breure, illustrating how one can navigate complex public and private spheres while staying true to one’s core values. His ability to maintain a strong individual brand while being the partner of one of the world’s most influential women speaks volumes about his character and the strength of his personal philosophy. It’s this blend of personal integrity and professional acumen that makes him an ideal mentor for Breure, who is also forging a new path in a highly competitive industry. Their shared vision for empowering individuals and challenging established norms forms the bedrock of their fruitful collaboration, ensuring that the Septimius Awards continues to grow as a beacon of diversity and opportunity.
