The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) concluded on Saturday night at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, celebrating excellence in African film, television, and digital storytelling. The ceremony, which began at 7 p.m., brought together actors, filmmakers, and digital creators from across the continent in a dazzling showcase of talent.
The night’s biggest triumph belonged to My Father’s Shadow, which swept Best Movie, Best Director, Best Sound Design, and Best Writing (Movie). Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman made history by winning both Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd, becoming the first performer to achieve a double acting win in the same year. Uzor Arukwe won Best Lead Actor for Colours of Fire, while Bucci Franklin took home Best Supporting Actor for To Kill A Monkey. Franklin’s victory drew widespread reactions from fans and colleagues, many of whom praised his versatility and described the award as “long overdue.” On social media, Nollywood stars congratulated him, while fans celebrated his rise from supporting roles to mainstream recognition. Franklin himself, visibly emotional, called the award “a validation of years of hard work and sacrifice.”
Other notable awards included Best Cinematography for To Kill A Monkey, and recognition of indigenous films such as Lisabi: A Legend Is Born (West Africa), Addis Fikir (East Africa), Tlhaho Ya Mosadi (Southern Africa), Artal Alhanin: Our Memories (North Africa), and Mabanda (Central Africa). The Best Digital Content Creator award went to Leave To Live by Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom, underscoring the growing influence of online storytelling.
The full list of major winners and nominees reflected the diversity of African cinema. In Best Movie, My Father’s Shadow triumphed over The Herd, Gingerrr, 3 Cold Dishes, The Serpent’s Gift, and Behind The Scenes. Akinola Davies Jr. won Best Director for My Father’s Shadow, ahead of Tunde Kelani (Cordelia), James Omokwe (Osamede), Daniel Etim Effiong (The Herd), Yemi Morafa (Gingerrr), and Asurf Amuwa (3 Cold Dishes). Uzor Arukwe’s Best Lead Actor win came against nominees including Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi: A Legend Is Born), William Benson (To Kill A Monkey), Mike Ezuruonye (Oversabi Aunty), Kanayo O. Kanayo (Grandpa Must Obey), Khumbuza Meyiwa (Bet I Love You), Wale Ojo (3 Cold Dishes), and Femi Branch (Red Circle).
In Best Lead Actress, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman’s victory for The Serpent’s Gift stood out among nominees Bimbo Akintola (To Kill A Monkey), Ifeoma Fafunwa (The Lost Days), Ariyike Owolagba (Something About The Briggs), Sola Sobowale (Her Excellency), Scarlet Gomez (Behind The Scenes), Genoveva Umeh (The Herd), and Gloria Anozie-Young (Mother Of The Brides). Bucci Franklin’s Best Supporting Actor win for To Kill A Monkey came against Lateef Adedimeji (Gingerrr), Simileoluwa Hassan (The Yard), Femi Branch (Owambe Thieves), Gabriel Afolayan (Colours Of Fire), Femi Adebayo (King Of Thieves 2), and Uzor Arukwe (Behind The Scenes). Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman also won Best Supporting Actress for The Herd, ahead of Olamide Kidbaby (Oversabi Aunty), Bisola Aiyeola (Gingerrr), Nadia Dutch (Aljana), Sola Sobowale (The Covenant), Amal Umar (The Herd), Juliebrenda Nyambura (MTV Shuga Mashariki), and Funke Akindele (Behind The Scenes).
Technical awards included Best Costume Design for Colours of Fire (Valerie Okeke), Best Makeup for Warlord (Hakeem Onilogbo), Best Art Direction for Colours of Fire (Ajamolaya Bunmi), and Best Editing for To Kill A Monkey (Daniel Anyiam).
The prestigious Industry Merit Awards were presented to veteran actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale for their decades of contribution to Nollywood. Kanayo’s acceptance speech drew laughter and applause when he played on his long-running joke about “sacrifice,” saying: “I have made a lot of sacrifices — but tonight, it is for the love of cinema and the growth of our industry.” Sobowale, equally emotional, thanked Nollywood for giving her a platform to inspire generations of actors and audiences.
Uche Montana was honoured with the Trailblazar award, a recognition given to emerging talents who are redefining Nollywood’s future. Her win was celebrated as a milestone for young actors breaking into the industry, with many praising her versatility and commitment to her craft. The award further cemented her rising profile and positioned her as one of Nollywood’s brightest new stars.
The Lagos event was marked by glamorous red-carpet appearances, musical performances, and tributes to pioneers of African cinema. Organizers emphasized the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and promoting African narratives globally. Since its launch in 2013, the AMVCA has become Africa’s premier entertainment award, often compared to the Oscars. Past editions have celebrated films like 76, King of Boys, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. Together with the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the AMVCA continues to elevate Nollywood and African cinema to global prominence, spotlighting both established stars and emerging voices.
