Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Unveils Star-Studded 12th Edition Nominees
The highly anticipated 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has officially revealed its nominees, with groundbreaking productions 'Gingerrr' and 'The Herd' emerging as frontrunners, each securing an impressive nine nominations. The announcement, made during a live broadcast across Africa Magic channels and hosted by the celebrated actor Chimezie Imo, has set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating celebration of African film and television.
Following closely behind the leading duo are 'To Kill A Monkey' with eight nods and 'My Father’s Shadow' with seven. Organizers laud this year as a testament to the continent's thriving creative landscape, characterized by compelling narratives, exceptional technical prowess, and a rich diversity of stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
Both 'Gingerrr' and 'The Herd' not only captivated critics but also enjoyed significant commercial success following their late 2025 releases, affirming their strong presence in the nominations across various categories.
Spotlight on Acting Excellence and Emerging Stars
The acting categories showcase a dynamic blend of seasoned veterans and exciting new talents. Industry stalwart Sola Sobowale demonstrated her versatile range by earning nominations in both lead and supporting capacities. Similarly, actors Uzor Arukwe and Lateef Adedimeji garnered multiple recognitions, highlighting their impactful performances over the past year.
A significant highlight is Genoveva Umeh, who secured her first-ever nomination for Best Lead Actress. Her inclusion positions her as a formidable contender, reflecting the AMVCA's commitment to recognizing fresh faces alongside established icons.
Your Voice Counts: Voting Now Open for Public Categories
The power is now in the hands of the viewers, as voting for public categories officially commenced at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Fans can cast their votes via the official AMVCA website. The 12th AMVCA features a comprehensive total of 32 categories, meticulously divided into:
- 18 Jury-Decided Awards: Recognizing excellence as judged by industry experts.
- 11 Public Voting Categories: Allowing viewers to champion their favorites.
- 3 Special Recognition Honours: Celebrating outstanding contributions to the industry.
The grand 12th AMVCA ceremony is scheduled to light up screens on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Expectations are soaring for an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements and artistic brilliance within Africa’s vibrant film and television sector.
A Look Back: Highlights from the 11th AMVCA Ceremony
As we anticipate the upcoming awards, it's worth recalling the successes of the 11th AMVCA ceremony. 'Freedom Way' claimed the coveted Best Movie award, while 'Seven Doors' dominated the acting categories. Notable winners included:
- Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo
- Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha
- Best Director: Awam Amkpa
- Best Supporting Roles: Gabriel Afolayan and Mercy Aigbe
- Trailblazer Award: Kayode Kasum
The Full List of 12th AMVCA Nominees
Best Digital Content Creator
- Dr Judgina – Situationally Transmitted Delusion
- Elozonam Ogbolu & Genoveva Umeh – Situationally Transmitted Delusion
- Destiny Ogie Osarewinda – The Marriage List
- Emmanuel Kanaga & Sophia Chisom – Leave To Live
- Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo – The Rate Race
- Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma) – Luxury Koko
- Steve Chuks – August Meeting Election
- Akwaman – Did I Hear Muah
Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)
- Bet I Love You – Joseph Duke, Keamogetse Modise
- Sebata: The Beast
- Ben Made It – Thabang Mathumetse, Thapelo Dikhutso
- Terra of Queens and Kuma 2 – Neo Leonardo Mokoena
- Tlhaho Ya Mosadi – Naledi Galane et al.
Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)
- Inside Job – Kamau Wandug’u et al.
- Sayari – Omar Hamza, June Wairegi
- Addis Fikir – Leul Shoaferaw
- My Son – Isarito Mwakalindile
- Kimote – Hassan Mageye
Best Short Film
- Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands
- Fleas – Jordy Sank
- Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo
- Hussainin – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa
- My Body, God’s Temple – Uzoamaka Power
Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)
- The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi
- Lisabi: A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji
- Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo et al.
- Aljana – Grace Yakubu
- Olorisha – Abiola Adeshina
Best Indigenous Language (North Africa)
- The Omnipresent – Youssef Ben Khalifa
- The Delivery – Abdalla Ezyan
- The Hidden Voice – Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed
- This Is Portsaid – Abdalla Ezyan
- Artal Alhanin – Mohamed Awad et al.
Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa)
- Mabanda – Kang Quintus
- Safou: A Gift From Nature – Nyasha Makamba
- Golden Spoon – Egbe Francis Ettabrown
Best Scripted M-Net Original
- Adam To Eve
- Mother of the Brides
- The Yard
- The Low Priest
- Bobo
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
- Nigerian Idol (S10)
- Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
- Chapa Chapa
- My Love
- Out N About (Harar)
- Undugu
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
- Inimba
- Kukoyi
- Undugu
- Out N’ About (Harar)
- Kampala Creme (S2)
- The Chocolate Empire
- Mgbuka
Best Supporting Actress
- Linda Ejiofor – The Herd
- Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty
- Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr
- Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Series
- Nadia Dutch – Aljana
- Amal Umar – The Herd
- Juliebrenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki
- Funke Akindele – Behind The Scene
Best Supporting Actor
- Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard
- Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr
- Gabriel Afolayan – Colours of Fire
- Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey
- Femi Adeboye – Agesinkole 2
- Femi Branch – Red Circle
- Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes
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 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 Director
- Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow
- Tunde Kelani – Cordelia
- James Kalu Omokwe – Osamede
- Daniel Etim-Effiong – The Herd
- Yemi Morafa – Gingerrr
- Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes
Best Writing (Movie)
- My Father’s Shadow
- To Kill A Monkey
- The Herd
- Finding Nina
- The Serpent’s Gift
- Stitches
- Gingerrr
Best Writing (TV Series)
- The Wives
- MTV Shuga Mashariki
- Our Husband
- Addis Fikir
- Baba Oh
- The Party
- Gizat
Best Documentary
- Beyond Olympic Glory
- The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat
- The People Shall Not Addressing This Anymore
- BOU
Best Sound Design
- The Serpent’s Gift
- The Herd
- Colours of Fire
- Aljana
- Suky
- Inimba
Best Art Direction
- My Father’s Shadow
- 3 Cold Dishes
- Osamede
- Gingerrr
- The Party
- MTV Shuga Mashariki
- To Kill A Monkey
Best Picture Editor
- The Herd
- My Father’s Shadow
- Blackout
- Cards On The Table
- Gingerrr
- Suky
- 3 Cold Dishes
Best Cinematography
- The Serpent’s Gift
- The Real Housewives of Lagos S2
- Colours of Fire
- Something About The Briggs
- To Kill A Monkey
Best Costume Design
- My Father’s Shadow
- Gingerrr
- Ben Made It
- The Party
- Sebata (The Beast)
- The Herd
Best Makeup
- Gingerrr
- The Herd
- My Father’s Shadow
- 3 Cold Dishes
- The Serpent’s Gift
- Behind The Scenes
Best Series (Scripted)
- To Kill A Monkey
- The Yard
- The Chocolate Empire
- Inimba
- Kash Money
Best Series (Unscripted)
- The Real Housewives of Lagos S3
- Nigerian Idol S10
- Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
- Offair With Gbemi and Toolz
- Out N’ About (Harar)
Best Movie
- Behind The Scenes
- Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
- Gingerrr
- Abanisete
- Warlord
- Suky
- Labake Olododo
Best International Film
- Cordelia
- My Father’s Shadow
- Landline
- 3 Cold Dishes
- Osamede
- To Kill A Monkey