In a bold new chapter for African cinema, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) unveiled its nominees for its 11th edition last night. The announcement, broadcast on Sunday, across Africa Magic channels, marks another milestone in recognising the creative prowess reshaping the continent’s film and television landscape.
Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, remarked, “Seeing this year’s nominees is truly inspiring. Each entry captures a unique aspect of Africa’s vibrant storytellers. I believe these selections reflect both the depth and innovation that are shaping our industry, and they point to an exciting future for African content. This year’s AMVCA not only celebrates excellence in storytelling but also sets the stage for the next wave of creative voices across the continent.”
Submissions were accepted from productions exhibited or broadcast between 1 December 2023 to 31 December 2024, following an entry period that began in December 2024.
The AMVCA now recognises excellence across 27 diverse categories, which include a blend of audience-voted recognitions and juried accolades—among them the Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.
There are 27 award categories, 18 non-voting and 9 audience voting categories. There are also 2 recognition awards—Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards. The non-voting categories will be decided by the AMVCA panel of judges led by the Head Judge and ace filmmaker Femi Odugbemi.
In the Best Movie category, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, Suspicion, Inkabi, House Of Ga’a, Freedom Way, Christmas In Lagos and Farmer’s Bride have been nominated in the Best Movie category. The Best Lead Actor nominees include Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Bucci Franklin (The Weekend), Femi Branch (House of Ga’a), Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast), Bimbo Manuel (Princess On A Hill), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors) and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi – The Uprising).
Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride), Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo), Uche Montana (Thinline), Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury), Hilda Dokubo (The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3) and Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise Of The Spectre) are nominated for he Best Lead Actress category
Additional categories, such as Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, also showcase a remarkable line-up of talent with Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride), Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair In Love), Omoni Oboli (The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Christmas In Lagos), Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion), Tina Mba (Suspicion), Gabriel Afolayan (Clarence Peters’ Inside Life), Efa Iwara (Princess On A Hill), Mike Afolarin (House Of Ga’a), Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast), Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni (Lisabi: The Uprising), Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors), Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way), Meg Otanwa (Clarence Peters’ Inside Life) and Darasimi Nnadi (Aburo).
Check here For the full list of nominees across all categories.
Voting has officially opened and will run until 4th May 2025 via the Africa Magic website. This means audiences are invited to participate in a celebration of talent that continues to redefine African cinema by voting for their favourite nominees across the voting categories.
How to vote for your favourite AMVCA nominees
Visit www.africamagic.tv/amvca and click vote.
Register or sign in if you already have an account.
Select your favourite nominees in the various categories
Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking vote
The ceremony is set to be broadcast live on 10 May 2025 across all Africa Magic Channels on DStv and GOtv.
With strong partnerships, including lead sponsorship by Amstel Malta, tactical sponsor Onga and other brands like Martell, MTN, Nivea, Lush Hair, Indomie, Verve, Arla and more, AMVCA 11 stands as a testament to the vibrancy and global reach of African entertainment.
