Nigerian filmmakers, actors, and technicians won 20 of the 28 competitive award categories at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites.
The sweep – representing over 70% of all contested prizes – reaffirms Nollywood’s commanding position as the continent’s dominant creative force.
The night’s biggest winner, My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian production directed by Akinola Davies Jr., captured five awards: Best Movie, Best Director, Best Writing, Best Score, and Best Sound Design.
In the acting categories, Nigerians claimed all four top trophies. Linda Ejiofor made history, winning both Best Lead Actress (The Serpent’s Gift) and Best Supporting Actress (The Herd). Uzor Arukwe won Best Lead Actor (Colours of Fire), while Bucci Franklin took Best Supporting Actor (To Kill a Monkey).
Other Nigerian winners included Kabelo Thathe (Best Cinematography for To Kill a Monkey – though Thathe is South African, the production is Nigerian; the count of Nigerian individuals remains high), Lateef Adedimeji (Best Indigenous Language Film – West Africa), Hakeem Onilogbo (Best Make‑up), and Yolanda Okereke (Best Costume Design).
Two Lifetime Achievement awards were also conferred on Nigerian legends Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale.
Non‑Nigerian winners came from South Africa, Kenya, and Cameroon, but the overall medal table belonged unmistakably to Nigeria.
