The 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) delivered a memorable night of glitz, glamour, and celebration of African cinematic excellence, as the continent’s brightest stars and most outstanding films were honoured in Lagos, Nigeria. The evening’s biggest winner was My Father’s Shadow, which swept five major categories, including Best Movie, Best Director, Best Writing in a Movie, Best Sound Design, and Best Score/Music. My Father’s Shadow is a drama directed Akinola Davies Jr. following two brothers exploring Lagos with their estranged father during the chaotic 1993 Nigerian election.
Another standout moment came from Linda Ejiofor Suleiman, who made history with a double win—taking home Best Actress for her powerful lead performance in The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Herd. Her achievements were a testament to her versatility and commanding screen presence, drawing praise from peers and fans across the continent.
Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey also made a significant impact, winning three key awards. Kabelo Thathe took home Best Cinematography, while Bucci Franklin was named Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, which was further celebrated for its visual storytelling and emotional resonance.
Colours of Fire shone in the creative categories, with Valerie Okeke awarded Best Costume Design, and Bunmi Ajamolaya and Yakub Oladejo recognized for Best Art Direction. Uzor Arukwe claimed the Best Actor award for his compelling lead in the same film.
The celebration of indigenous storytelling was marked by Lisabi – A Legend Is Born winning Best Indigenous West African Film, produced by Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji. The film’s authentic representation of West African heritage was widely applauded.
In addition to the West African category, the AMVCA 2026 honored outstanding films in indigenous languages from across the continent. Kang Quintus took home Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa) for Mabanda. Leul Shoaferaw was awarded Best Indigenous Language (East Africa) for Addia Fikr, while Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma received Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) for Artal Alhanin – Pur Memories. The Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa) award went to Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka, and Modipadi Mokgohioa for their work on Tlhaho Ya Mosadi. These wins highlight the AMVCA’s commitment to celebrating Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity through film.
Fast-Rising star, Uche Montana received the Trailblazer Award, with her trending YouTube film Monica evidencing her growing influence in the industry. In the lifetime achievement category, two Nollywood legends were recognized: Sola Sobowale, known for iconic roles in The Wedding Party, King of Boys, Battle on Buka Street, and Aníkúlápó; and Kanayo O. Kanayo, honoured for his decades of excellence in classics like Living in Bondage, Lionheart, October 1, Across the Niger, and the sitcom Professor Johnbull.
The AMVCA 2026 also set the stage for dazzling red carpet moments, with celebrities turning heads in elegant couture and traditional attire, reflecting the event’s theme: “Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture.” The show’s vibrant Cultural Day opening underscored the rich tapestry of African creativity—blending fashion, film, and heritage.
As the curtain closed on this year’s AMVCA, the night reaffirmed the power, diversity, and global potential of African cinema. With breakthrough performances, bold storytelling, and a new generation of talent, the future of the continent’s film industry looks brighter than ever.
