The excitement for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is building. With the nominees already announced, the awards showcase the best talents and creative work in African cinema.
The Best Lead Actress nominees for the 2025 AMVCA feature a mix of experienced veterans and emerging stars, creating a highly competitive field. This year’s nominees stand out with performances that are sure to leave a lasting impact. Each actress in this category delivers a powerful portrayal, bringing to life characters who experience love, loss, betrayal, and intense emotional struggles. Their performances transcend acting, capturing the true essence of storytelling.
This year’s nominee list includes well-established names like Hilda Dokubo, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, and Bimbo Ademoye, who are familiar faces in the entertainment industry, having earned significant recognition and success over the years. Alongside them, new stars such as Gbubemi Ejeye, whose remarkable performance in Farmer’s Bride has already garnered critical acclaim and audience praise, show the potential and talent of emerging voices in Nollywood.
Take a look at the nominees for Best Lead Actress at the 11th AMVCA:
Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
Chioma Chukwuka’s performance in Seven Doors is captivating. Portraying Queen Amaka, an Igbo woman married to King Adedunjoye (Femi Adebayo), Chukwuka explores themes of royalty, love, and betrayal, taking audiences on an emotional journey. She learned Yoruba, a language different from her native Igbo, ensuring she captured the correct dialect and tone for her character. Her dedication to the role has earned praise for seamlessly integrating the language and cultural nuances into her performance.
Seven Doors, which premiered on December 13, 2024, has been celebrated for its compelling storytelling and cultural richness, with Chukwuka’s portrayal of Queen Amaka standing out as a highlight of the series.
Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is a renowned Nigerian actress, movie producer, and businesswoman. She gained popularity in Nollywood for her dramatic and comedic roles in films. With her flexibility and excellent acting ability, Chioma has performed in numerous films and won several awards for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry. She is also recognized for her activism and influence in the entertainment sector.
Gbubemi Ejeye – The Farmer’s Bride
Gbubemi Ejeye’s portrayal of Funmi in Farmer’s Bride has captured the hearts of many. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Ibadan, the story follows Funmi as she grapples with societal pressures while searching for love and personal freedom. Ejeye’s emotionally intense performance brings her character’s inner turmoil to life, resonating deeply with audiences. Her exceptional work in Farmer’s Bride stands out as one of the year’s most powerful performances.
Ejeye’s role in Farmer’s Bride has received widespread acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth. Her portrayal of Funmi, a young woman under pressure from her family to marry a wealthy but much older man, has captivated critics and viewers alike.
The film’s exploration of a taboo love affair and the complex emotions tied to it further amplifies Ejeye’s standout performance. Her effective use of body language and facial expressions enhances her character’s emotional journey, making her one of the top contenders in this category.
Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
Uzoamaka Onuoha delivers a standout performance in Agemo, where she portrays Agatha, a woman navigating the conflict between tradition and modernity. Uzoamaka Onuoha’s performance in Agemo showcases her acting range. Onuoha brings both strength and vulnerability to the screen.
Agemo, directed by Moshood Abiola Obatula, explores themes of manipulation, power dynamics, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Onuoha’s portrayal of Agatha highlights the resilience of women in the face of societal challenges, further cementing her talent in tackling complex roles.
The film, which draws on Yoruba mythology, features a strong ensemble cast, including Raphael Ayara, Joe Kosoko, and Yinka Quadri.
Uche Montana – Thin Line
Uche Montana’s gripping performance in Thin Line as Annie, a prostitute caught in a morally complex situation, has garnered significant attention. Critics have praised her for capturing the internal conflict of her character, with her portrayal of vulnerability, seduction, and the struggle for redemption standing out in this year’s competition.
The film’s storyline delves into themes of faith, temptation, and redemption, as Annie’s interactions with Pastor Raymond (played by Uzor Arukwe) trigger a series of events that change both of their lives. Montana’s performance has been widely praised for capturing the essence of her character, with reviews highlighting her ability to convey deep emotional complexity and her seductive demeanor.
Thin Line, a murder mystery, explores the complexities of faith, morality, and human consequences. When Annie is found murdered, Pastor Raymond’s life unravels, forcing him to confront his own actions. The film, which features a talented ensemble cast including Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, and Yvonne Jegede, was released on December 13, 2024, and has already earned Montana her first AMVCA nomination for Best Actress.
Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury
Uzoamaka Aniunoh’s portrayal of Ifeatu in Phoenix Fury is intense and multifaceted. Playing a woman bent on seeking vengeance after a troubled childhood, Aniunoh delivers a performance filled with emotional depth. Her work has been lauded for adding complexity to the film’s exploration of resilience and retribution, placing her among the frontrunners for Best Actress.
Phoenix Fury” is a 2024 Nigerian film directed by Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo. The movie features a stellar ensemble cast, including Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Ama K. Abebrese, and Ijeoma Grace Agu.
Hilda Dokubo – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3
Hilda Dokubo shines in The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, where she plays Ebiere, a meat seller at the women’s market who undergoes a profound transformation following the abduction of her son. Initially depicted as a gentle and grieving mother, the mother transforms from grief-stricken to a fierce advocate for justice after her son’s abduction. Dokubo’s portrayal is a masterclass in emotional depth, capturing her character’s sorrow and determination.
The film, which focuses on activism and women’s solidarity, has renewed interest in her outstanding talent, earning her a well-deserved nomination. The cast features well-seasoned actors such as Omoni Oboli as Mama Ngozi, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott, Femi Branch, and Segun Arinze.
Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Bimbo Ademoye’s performance as Queen Arolake in Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre is captivating. The gripping Netflix series explores themes of love, betrayal, and empowerment, and Ademoye captures the emotional complexity of her character perfectly. Her portrayal of the youngest wife of the king of Oyo has been universally acclaimed, making her a top contender for Best Actress at the AMVCA.
Bimbo Ademoye is a talented Nigerian actress who has earned widespread acclaim for her outstanding performances in Nollywood. Her role in Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre showcased her impressive versatility and remarkable talent, helping her emerge as one of the leading stars in the industry. Known for seamlessly integrating comedy, drama, and emotion into her roles, she has established herself as a standout talent in Nollywood.
This year’s Best Lead Actress category at the AMVCA features a stunning array of performances that have left a lasting impact on African cinema.
The award ceremony is set to be held on May 10, 2025.
