Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow emerged as the biggest winner at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2026), held on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, taking home five awards – more than any other film that night.
The semi‑autobiographical drama, set against Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, won Best Movie, Best Director (Davies), Best Writing (Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr.), Best Score (Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra), and Best Sound Design (Pius Fatoke and CJ Mirra).
Before its AMVCA triumph, My Father’s Shadow had already made history as the first Nigerian film selected for Cannes’ official competition in nearly 80 years.
Other winners included Uzor Arukwe (Best Lead Actor, Colours of Fire), Bucci Franklin (Best Supporting Actor, To Kill a Monkey), and Linda Ejiofor‑Suleiman, who made history by winning both Best Lead Actress (The Serpent’s Gift) and Best Supporting Actress (The Herd). Lifetime Achievement awards went to Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale.
Davies dedicated the wins to “every Nigerian who still believes in our stories.”
