It’s that time of the year again when Nigeria witnesses its own version of the Academy Awards, the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Since its inception in 2013, it has recognized excellence in cinematic achievements across Africa, particularly Nollywood.
Taking place in Lagos on May 10, this yearly event by Multichoice recognizes outstanding achievements in television, film, entertainment, and digital content creation throughout Nollywood and the entire African continent.On Sunday, March 23, the AMVCA 2025 nominees list was broadcast across Africa Magic channels. There are 27 award categories, with 18 non-voting categories that will be decided by the AMVCA panel of judges, led by head judge and filmmaker, Femi Odugbemi. Nine categories are open to the audience to vote for their favorites. There are also two recognition awards – Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.
Filmmakers are already campaigning like politicians, actors are rallying their fan bases, and fans are anticipating. Who will be going home with the coveted golden statues?
The AMVCA is not just any award; it is a big deal, having evolved from a simple awards ceremony into one of the most prestigious and influential platforms boosting African cinema’s global visibility.
Glitz and Glamour at AMVCA Red Carpets
It’s not just the awards that thrill the fans, the ceremony also sets the stage for the latest fashion and beauty trends. When we hear AMVCA, we are already anticipating the breathtaking outfits that will be stealing the spotlight. As one of the most prestigious events in Africa, the red carpet is sure to be dripping with glitz and glamour, with each Instagram post eliciting gasps of admiration from netizens. The AMVCA red carpet is where designers and celebrities showcase their creativity and style.
Last year, we had celebrities lighting up the red carpet with their show-stopping bespoke fashion. Nana Akua Addo made an unforgettable fashion-forward statement in an Endless Echo Hat and a well-sculpted 3D dress. Actress Osas Ighodaro broke away from the popular corset trend as she opted for a striking creation featuring fine lines and circles. At the same time, Toke Makinwa fitly lit up the red carpet in a classy, avant-garde shimmering metallic mermaid gown made by Veekee James.
Some men also made their mark on the red carpet. Actor Richard Mofe-Damijo did it for the culture as he turned heads in his aso-oke, looking like African royalty. Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu commanded attention in a black oversized hand-painted jacquard double-breasted tuxedo with a white peak lapel by Mai Atafo.
This year’s celebration is no different. As the AMVCA returned for its 11th edition, the stars brought their A-game to the red carpet with one goal in mind – to turn every head and ensure they are the cynosure of all eyes. From couture gowns to crisp tuxedos and bespoke ensembles, a breathtaking blend of global fashion infused with a unique African flavor was on display.
Photo source: Instagram/ @princenelsonenwerem and @liquorose
A day before the grand event, the stars stepped out in their agbadas and beaded dresses for AMVCAs’ Cultural Day on Friday, May 9. They looked like royalty as they paid tribute to the richness of African heritage, beautifully merging culture and elegance. The celebration was hosted by one of Nollywood’s finest, Stan Nze.
Photo source: Twitter @Bkmconcepts
On Saturday, May 10, as fans got their popcorn and drinks ready for an evening of spectacle, glam, and fashion, the stars trooped to Eko Convention Centre, the venue of the AMVCA 2025.
It was a breathtaking showdown of who could shine the brightest. Nana Akua Addo once again showed us she is in a league of her own. From Mercy Eke to Osas Ighodaro, the ladies looked stunning in their creative dresses, proving they are true style queens!
Photo source: Instagram/ @official_mercyeke,@officialosas, @nanaakuaaddo and @inidimaokojie
2025 AMVCA Winners
It is no longer business as usual where quality is sacrificed for quantity. With the introduction of AMVCA, directors and producers have begun striving to create compelling films that stand out, knowing that their work would be judged alongside the best in the industry. Because everyone loves to win, the AMVCA ‘s recognition of achievement has ignited healthy competition among Nollywood and other African filmmakers, pushing them to explore new narratives, genres, and technical innovations.
Winning an AMVCA has now become a badge of honor, motivating filmmakers to prioritize quality. Even getting nominated is a remarkable achievement that can boost one’s career in the movie industry.
Photo source: Instagram / @stannze and @sagadeolu
Below is the list of AMVCA 2025 nominees and winners:
Best Movie
- Christmas in Lagos
- Farmer’s Bride
- Freedom Way – WINNER
- House of Gaa
- Inkabi
- Lisabi
- Skeleton Coast
- Suspicion
Best Director
- House of Gaa
- Inkabi
- Seven Doors
- Skeleton Coast
- The Man Died – WINNER
- The Weekend
Best Lead Actress
- Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors) – WINNER
- Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride)
- Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo)
- Uche Montana (Thin Line)
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury)
- Hilda Dokubo (Wives on Strike 3)
- Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
Best Lead Actor
- Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo)
- Bucci Franklin (The Weekend)
- Femi Branch (House of Gaa)
- Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast)
- Bimbo Manuel (Princess on a Hill)
- Stan Nze (Suspicion)
- Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors) – WINNER
- Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising)
Best Supporting Actress
- Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)
- Tina Mba (Suspicion)
- Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)
- Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)
- Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride) – WINNER
- Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)
- Darasimi Nadi (Aburo)
Best Supporting Actor
- Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life) – WINNER
- Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)
- Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)
- Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)
- RMD (Christmas in Lagos)
- Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)
- Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)
Best Cinematography
- Agemo
- Inkabi
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Skeleton Coast
- Soft Love
- The Legend of The Vagabond Queen Of Lagos – WINNER
- Yen Ara Asaase Ni
Best Editing
- Inkabi (Tongai Furusa) – WINNER
- Christmas in Lagos (Martini Akande)
- Skeleton Coast (Jordan Koen)
- Soft Love (Holmes Awa, Paballo Modingoane)
- Lisabi: The Uprising (Anthill Studios)
- Princess on a Hill (Laughter Ephraim, Peter Ugbede)
Best Costume Design
- Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)
- Christmas in Lagos – WINNER
- House of Ga’a
- Lisabi
- Phoenix Fury
Best Makeup
- Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)
- Inside Life
- Farmer’s Bride
- Lisabi (The Uprising) – WINNER
- Seven Doors
- Suspicion
Best Documentary
- Mai DùnDún – WINNER
- I Will Remember You
- On Your Own
- Walvis Tale
Best Series Scripted
- Cheta M
- Inside Life – WINNER
- Princess on a Hill
- Roses & Ivy
- Seven Doors
Best Series Unscripted
- Ebuka Turns Up Africa
- Skillers: The Building Reality Show
- Style Magnate
- Take Me Home
- Wa Milele – WINNER
Best Writing Movie
- A Ghetto Story
- Christmas in Lagos
- Freedom Way – WINNER
- House of Gaa
- Skeleton Coast
- The Weekend
Best Writing TV Series
- Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)
- Cheta M
- Princess on a Hill
- Roses & Ivy
- Seven Doors
- Untying Kanti – WINNER
Best Art Direction
- Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)
- Christmas in Lagos
- Farmer’s Bride
- Lisabi (The Uprising) – WINNER
- Seven Doors
- The Man Died
Best Sound Design
- Beast of Two Worlds
- Freedom Way
- Inkabi
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Seven Doors
- Suspicion – WINNER
Best Music/Score
- Freedom Way
- Inkabi
- Seven Doors – WINNER
- Skeleton Coast
- Soft Love
Best Short Film
- Brukaci – WINNER
- Sukari
- The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi
- What Are You Truly Afraid Of?
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
- Husband Material
- Nigerian Idol (Season 9) – WINNER
- Overall Best
- Pastor Wants a Wife
Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)
- Seven Doors
- Lisabi: The Uprising – WINNER
- Kaka
- Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre
- Mai Martaba
Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)
- The Caller
- Empty Grave
- Makosa ni Yangu – WINNER
- Sabotage
- Wa Milele (Forever?)
Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)
- Walvis Tale
- The Vow
- Mwizukanji – WINNER
- Man of Gold
- Lukas
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
- Onye Agbata Obim — WINNER
- Mai Shayi
- The Caller
- Show Me The Way
- Ebighi Ebi
- Subterranean
- Amoanimaa’s Era
Best Scripted M-Net Original
- Uriri
- All Mine
- My Fairytale Wedding – WINNER
- Italo
- The Caller
- Kam U Stay
Best MultiChoice Talent Factory
- Gone
- Everything Light Touches – WINNER
- The Immersive Alarm
- Deadbeat
- Nwananga
- Rivals in Time
Best Digital Content Creator
- Iyo Prosper – WINNER
- Jide ‘Pounds’ Ibitoye (Jide Pounds)
- Dorcas Ariyiike Owolagba (Ariyiike Dimples)
- Elozonam
- Maryam Apaokagi (Taaooma)
Trailblazer Award
- Kayode Kasum
Industry Merit Award
- Sani Mu’azu
- Nkem Owoh
