FULL LIST: AMVCA nominees for 12th edition

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has released the nominees for its 12th edition, with the main ceremony set for May 9, 2026. Veteran actress Joke Silva has been appointed Head Judge, taking over from Femi Odugbemi.

This year features 32 categories, including 18 jury-voted awards, 11 audience-voted prizes, and three special recognition awards such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer honours. Two new categories—Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa)—have been added to strengthen pan-African representation.

The nominees were announced live on Africa Magic channels, hosted by AMVCA-winning actor Chimezie Imo.

Selected Nominees

Best Digital Content Creator – Elozonam Ogbolu, Genoveva Umeh, Akwaman, Destiny Ogie Osarewinda, Emmanuel Kanaga, Sophia Chisom, Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo, Taaooma, Steve Chuks

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) – The Serpent’s Gift, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, Labake Olododo, Olorisha, Aljana

Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) – Inside Job, Sayari, Addis Fikir, My Son, Kimote

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa) – Bet I Love You, Sebata: The Beast, Ben Made It, Terra Of Queens And Kuma 2, Tlhaho Ya Mosadi

Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) – The Omnipresent, The Delivery, The Hidden Voice, This Is Portsaid, Artal Alhanin: Our Memories

Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa) – Mabanda, Safou: A Gift From Nature, Golden Spoon

Best Lead Actor – Mike Ezuruonye (Oversabi Aunty), Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi: A Legend Is Born), 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 Overall Movie – Gingerrr, The Herd, My Father’s Shadow, 3 Cold Dishes, The Serpent’s Gift, Behind The Scenes

The awards ceremony promises to celebrate the best in African entertainment, shining a spotlight on emerging talents and established industry figures alike.