The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) lit up the Eko Hotel & Suites on Saturday, May 9, celebrating the best of African film, television, and digital content in a spectacular display of glamour, culture, and artistic achievement.
Hosted by Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha, the event marked a fresh chapter for the awards, moving beyond longtime host IK Osakioduwa.
The night belonged overwhelmingly to My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. The film swept five major awards, including the coveted Best Movie, Best Director, Best Writing in a Movie, Best Score/Music, and Best Sound/Sound Design.
Producers Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Rachel Dargavel accepted the top honour, highlighting the project’s emotional depth and technical mastery.
Davies Jr.’s direction was praised for its nuanced storytelling, while the film’s score by Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra, along with sound design by Pius Fatoke and CJ Mirra, added layers of intensity and resonance.
One production insider noted the win as “a massive technical triumph,” highlighting how the audio elements elevated the narrative.
Notable Awards
Acting honours were fiercely contested. Uzor Arukwe claimed Best Lead Actor for his commanding performance in Colours of Fire, while Linda Ejiofor delivered a standout double victory.
She won Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd, beating strong competition that included Funke Akindele in the supporting category.
Bucci Franklin earned Best Supporting Actor for To Kill a Monkey, a film that also secured wins for Best Cinematography (Kabelo Thathe) and Best Editing (Daniel Anyiam), giving it three awards total.
Colours of Fire matched that tally with technical wins in costume design (Valerie Okeke) and art direction (Ajamolaya Bunmi).
Indigenous language films shone brightly, reflecting the awards’ commitment to diverse African storytelling. Lateef Adedimeji’s Lisabi (A Legend Is Born) won Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) and Best Makeup.
Adedimeji dedicated the honour to his wife, actress Mo Bimpe Adedimeji. Other regional winners included entries from across Central, North, East, and South Africa, celebrating linguistic and cultural richness.
Special recognitions added emotional weight. Rising star Uche Montana received the Trailblazer Award in a surprise moment she had jokingly delivered a fake acceptance speech earlier while presenting.
Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears upon winning. In her heartfelt address, Montana said words to the effect of: “This is for every young girl out there. Keep dreaming, keep believing. If you don’t know, don’t stop. ” Her mother, affectionately known as Mama Monica, joined her on stage for a touching embrace.
Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo received Industry Merit Awards, honouring their decades of contribution to Nollywood. The recognitions drew standing ovations, affirming the night’s blend of legacy and emerging talent.
The red carpet was a fashion spectacle. Stars showcased luxury African-inspired designs: Linda Ejiofor in an emerald green couture gown with crystal details, Uche Montana and Osas Ighodaro in head-turning ensembles, and coordinated traditional looks from Lateef Adedimeji and his wife.
Hosts Bovi and Nomzamo Mbatha brought levity with a skit recreating a viral Funke Akindele-Toyin Abraham moment, with Bovi quipping lines like “Aunty, aunty Funke… mtcheeww. If I ever present award to you, call me bastard,” drawing roars of laughter.
Pre-events, including Icons Night and Cultural Night themed “Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture,” set a vibrant tone with traditional attire and tributes.
The main ceremony featured performances and tributes that underscored African storytelling’s global rise.
My Father’s Shadow’s dominance, alongside strong showings from To Kill a Monkey, Colours of Fire, and indigenous productions, highlighted a competitive field where technical brilliance met powerful performances.
While some fan favourites like certain Funke Akindele projects went home empty-handed, the night celebrated breadth and depth.
As African cinema gains international momentum, AMVCA 2026 reinforced its role as the continent’s premier platform for honouring excellence.
The event not only crowned winners but also spotlighted the industry’s evolving narratives, cultural pride and promising future.
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