The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating African film and television. Since its inception in 2013, the award ceremony has not only honoured excellence in storytelling but has also played a significant role in shaping the evolution of Nollywood and the broader African entertainment industry.
The latest edition, the 12th AMVCA, took place on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in African film, television, and digital storytelling, bringing together actors, filmmakers, producers, and creative professionals from across the continent.
Over the years, the AMVCA has become widely regarded as the “African Oscars,” symbolising excellence, recognition, and industry progress.
The AMVCA was established by MultiChoice through its entertainment channel, Africa Magic, to recognise outstanding contributions by African actors, filmmakers, and production professionals.
Since the first ceremony in 2013, the awards have continued to expand both in popularity and relevance. Today, the event features more than 30 categories recognising excellence in acting, directing, writing, technical production, and digital content creation.
The awards also incorporate a unique blend of jury-decided and viewer-voted categories, allowing fans across Africa to actively participate in choosing their favourite actors and productions.
This system has helped strengthen the bond between the audience and the industry, making the awards not just a ceremony but a cultural event celebrated across the continent.
The 2026 ceremony produced several memorable moments and historic wins. One of the biggest wins was the success of the film My Father’s Shadow, which emerged as the biggest winner, securing five awards including Best Movie and Best Director for Akinola Davies Jr.
The Best Lead Actor award went to Uzor Arukwe for his performance in Colours of Fire, while Linda Ejiofor won Best Lead Actress for her role in The Serpent’s Gift.
In a historic moment, Linda Ejiofor also won Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first performer to win both acting categories in one night.
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Veteran Nollywood stars Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honoured with the Industry Merit Award for their lasting contributions to the film industry.
Beyond the glamour and red-carpet fashion, the AMVCA has had a deeper impact on Nollywood. The awards have encouraged filmmakers to focus on quality storytelling, improved production standards, and stronger performances.
Because the awards are highly competitive, actors and filmmakers now invest more time and resources into scripts, cinematography, and post-production. Many Nollywood films today feature better lighting, sound design, visual effects, and international-level storytelling compared to earlier years.
Another major contribution of the AMVCA is its ability to spotlight emerging actors and filmmakers. Awards such as the Trailblazer Award are designed specifically to recognise rising stars who are making a significant impact in the industry.
For many young actors, receiving an AMVCA nomination alone can be career-changing, bringing visibility, new opportunities, and credibility within the entertainment industry.
The awards have also contributed to the growth of Africa’s creative economy. Corporate organisations and brands increasingly partner with the event, helping to fund and promote the film industry.
By attracting sponsors, global media attention, and international audiences, the AMVCA continues to position Nollywood as one of the most influential film industries in the world.
Today, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony has become a symbol of progress for African storytelling, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and talent that define the continent’s film industry.
