The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) are a leading platform for African storytelling. The 2026 edition, scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, introduces expanded categories that, for the first time, recognise North and Central African stories. This year’s ceremony highlights the continued growth and diversity of Nollywood, South African cinema, and emerging voices across the continent.
Following the high-profile 2025 ceremony, the 2026 AMVCAs are attracting significant attention. Fans, industry professionals, and voters are reviewing the nominee list and preparing to participate in the 11 public-voting categories. This guide provides a summary of last year’s winners, a complete voting guide, and an overview of key contenders.
Overview of the 2025 AMVCAs: Setting the Stage for 2026
The 11th edition of the AMVCAs, held on 10 May 2025 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was a landmark night that underscored Nollywood’s global dominance. Seven Doors, directed by and starring Femi Adebayo, emerged as a major force, with Adebayo clinching Best Lead Actor and Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha taking home Best Lead Actress. Their powerful performances in the psychological thriller captivated audiences and jury members alike.
Lisabi: The Uprising received Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) and several technical awards, demonstrating the impact of culturally rooted stories. Freedom Way earned Best Movie and Best Writing in a Movie for first-time nominee Blessing Uzzi, highlighting emerging talent. Director Awam Amkpa was recognised for The Man Died, an adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s memoir.
Photo: AMVCA Special honours included Lifetime Achievement Awards for Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu, recognising their longstanding contributions, and the Trailblazer Award for Kayode Kasum. Mercy Aigbe won Best Supporting Actress for Farmer’s Bride, and Gabriel Afolayan received Best Supporting Actor. Iyo Prosper Adokiye was recognised in the Best Digital Content Creator category.
Fashion highlights, such as cultural-day attire by Liquorose and Prince, gained international attention. Emotional acceptance speeches underscored the significance of the AMVCAs in celebrating African cinema. The 2025 ceremony demonstrated that bold storytelling, technical excellence, and authentic representation are highly valued, setting a strong precedent for 2026.
The 12th AMVCAs: What’s New in 2026
Veteran actress Joke Silva will serve as head of the jury, succeeding Femi Odugbemi and bringing extensive expertise in craftsmanship and storytelling. The 2026 AMVCAs include 32 categories: 18 decided by the jury and 11 open to public voting. The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award will also be presented.
The awards have expanded to include Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa), broadening recognition beyond West, East, and Southern Africa. Organised by Africa Magic, the ceremony will spotlight films and series released between January and December 2025, with voting currently open.
The red carpet in Lagos is expected to feature cultural attire, international guests, and notable moments. Industry observers anticipate strong competition in technical categories such as cinematography, sound design, and art direction.
Standout Nominees and Records to Watch
The 2026 nominations reflect the strength of Nollywood’s current era. The Herd leads with 9 nominations, including Best Lead Actress (Genoveva Umeh), Best Director (Daniel Etim Effiong), Best Movie, Best Writing, and several technical categories. My Father’s Shadow follows with 8 nominations, and Gingerrr has 7.
Lateef Adedimeji is the most-nominated individual with 3 nominations: Best Supporting Actor for ‘Gingerrr’ and ‘Red Circle’, and Best Lead Actor for ‘Lisabi 2’. Linda Ejiofor, Sola Sobowale, Uzor Arukwe, and Femi Branch each received two nominations.
These records indicate a highly competitive event, with the potential for one film or actor to win multiple awards, as seen with Seven Doors and Lisabi in 2025.
Full 2026 AMVCA Nominees List (Key Categories)
While all 32 categories showcase notable talent, the following are the key nominees announced to date:
Best Supporting Actor
- Simileoluwa Hassan — The Yard
- Lateef Adedimeji — Gingerrr
- Gabriel Afolayan — Colours of Fire
- Bucci Franklin — To Kill a Monkey
- Femi Adebayo — King of Thieves 2
- Lateef Adedimeji — Red Circle
- Femi Branch — Owambe Thieves
- Uzor Arukwe — Behind the Scenes
Best Lead Actor
- Mike Ezuruonye — Oversabi Aunty
- Lateef Adedimeji — Lisabi 2
- William Benson — To Kill a Monkey
- Kanayo O. Kanayo — Grandpa Must Obey
- Khumbuza Meyiwa — Bet I Love You
- Uzor Arukwe — Colours of Fire
- Wale Ojo — 3 Cold Dishes
- Femi Branch — Red Circle
Best Lead Actress
- Linda Ejiofor — The Serpent’s Gift
- 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
- Gloria Anozie-Young — Mother of the Brides
Best Director
- Akinola Davies Jr — My Father’s Shadow
- Tunde Kelani — Cordelia
- James Omokwe — Osamede
- Daniel Etim Effiong — The Herd
- Yemi Filmboy Morafa — Gingerrr
- Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi — 3 Cold Dishes
Best Digital Content Creator
- Elozonam Ogbolu
- Genoveva Umeh
- Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
- Emmanuel Kanaga
- Sophia Chisom
- Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
- Taaooma
- Steve Chuks
- Akwaman
Additional nominations in supporting actress and technical categories, including Best Art Direction, Cinematography, Sound Design, and Writing, predominantly feature The Herd, My Father’s Shadow, and Gingerrr. The new indigenous language categories are anticipated to highlight emerging regional talent.
Your Complete Guide: How to Vote for AMVCA 2026 Nominees
Public voting determines the winners in 11 categories. Voting is free, though standard data charges may apply. The process is straightforward:
- Visit the official site: www.africamagic.tv/amvca (works on web and mobile).
- Register or sign in using your name, location, and phone number (international format).
- Select the category and your chosen nominee.
- Submit your vote—each user gets up to 100 votes per platform.
To maximise your impact, vote early and use your full allocation in closely contested categories such as Best Lead Actor or Best Digital Content Creator. The platform maintains fairness, and each vote contributes to determining the winners on 9 May.
What to Expect on the Big Night
The event will feature emotional acceptance speeches, notable collaborations, and fashion that combines tradition with modern style. With Joke Silva as jury head, the awards will recognise craftsmanship and authentic storytelling. The addition of North and Central African categories reflects a more pan-African approach as African content gains global visibility on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax.
Why the AMVCAs Matter More Than Ever?
The AMVCAs serve as a reflection of African excellence. From the success of Seven Doors in 2025 to the expanded categories in 2026, the event continues to advance the industry. The achievements of Lateef Adedimeji, Genoveva Umeh, and established actors such as Bimbo Akintola and Sola Sobowale demonstrate the increasing depth and competitiveness of African cinema.
Whether you are a dedicated Nollywood enthusiast, a supporter of South African cinema, or new to African storytelling, the 2026 AMVCAs offer a comprehensive showcase. Mark your calendar for 9 May 2026, visit africamagic.tv/amvca to vote, and prepare for an event that will be widely discussed across the continent and internationally.
It remains to be seen who will follow in the footsteps of Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka, or if The Herd will achieve similar success to Seven Doors. Watch, vote, and join in celebrating the best of African cinema.
The 12th AMVCAs are set to be a memorable event.
Photo: BBC
