A Bristol Borough High School alumna has been recognized locally after her recent win at the Television Academy Foundation’s 45th College Television Awards.
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Sydney Brooks, who graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, received a formal proclamation from the Bristol Borough Council earlier this month.
The council was honoring her achievement as the producer of “Óménàlà,” which won in the drama category at the red carpet awards ceremony in March at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California. Stephanie AdaEze Byron-Ene is the director and writer for “Óménàlà.”
“Sydney Brooks was nominated for and won the 2026 Television Academy Foundation College Television Award as producer in the best drama category,” the council’s proclamation stated. “Sydney Brooks has been a shining example to all Bristol students and that dedication and hard work leads to success.”
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The production required Brooks to travel to Nigeria for a week of filming.
“I was quite impressed when I saw Sydney’s film and it was filmed in Nigeria,” Councilmember Louis Quattrocchi said. “She went over there for a week to film and it was a great job.”
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According to Brooks, the film is designed to resonate with a broad audience.
“Beyond the cultural specificities, Óménàlà is a universal story about growing up, taking on unexpected responsibilities and navigating loss,” Brooks said. “We hope that audiences can relate to our main character, Nnamdi, and learn something new about burial rites in other cultures.”
The College Television Awards are considered among the top honors for rising talent in the television industry.
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“I’m really proud of all the hard work we put into the film,” Brooks said. “To get recognition from members of the Television Academy makes all the sleepless nights feel more than worth it.”
Brooks announced that her upcoming project will focus on her hometown’s recent economic development successes.
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“I’m currently working on a documentary about the Small Business Revolution and the impact that it had on Bristol,” Brooks said, adding that she hopes to complete the project in early 2027.
