2026 AMVCA Winners Announced: See Full List

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 once again proved why the AMVCAs remain the biggest celebration of African film and television. Held in Lagos on May 9, 2026, the ceremony brought together the continent’s brightest actors, filmmakers, producers, and creatives for a night that celebrated storytelling, innovation, and the growing global influence of African cinema.

This year’s edition was more than just an awards show; it was a reflection of how far African entertainment has evolved. From emotionally layered dramas to daring experimental films and culturally rich indigenous-language productions, the AMVCA 2026 winners showcased the industry’s hunger for authenticity and excellence.

Among the night’s biggest highlights were the major acting wins by Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka, whose performances earned them top honors in the lead acting categories. Their victories felt symbolic — a celebration of consistency, emotional depth, and years of contribution to Nollywood’s evolving legacy.

The directing category also reflected the industry’s growing cinematic ambition, with Awam Amkpa taking home Best Director. Across the board, the winners represented filmmakers who are increasingly pushing African stories beyond traditional formulas and into visually daring, globally competitive territory.

One of the strongest conversations coming out of AMVCA 2026 is the dominance of films like Gingerrr, The Herd, and To Kill A Monkey. These productions did not just rack up nominations; they shaped the tone of the awards season by spotlighting complex storytelling, social commentary, and elevated production quality.

What made this year particularly refreshing was the increasing recognition of indigenous storytelling. Categories celebrating films in West, East, North, Central, and Southern African languages highlighted a powerful shift in the industry: African audiences are embracing local stories told in native languages without compromising commercial success. Films such as Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, The Serpent’s Gift, and Olorisha reinforced the idea that cultural identity remains one of African cinema’s greatest strengths.

Digital creators also continued to claim their space within mainstream entertainment. The inclusion of creators like Maryam Apaokagi-Greene, Steve Chuks, and Elozonam Ogbolu in major categories proves that the lines between digital entertainment and traditional cinema are rapidly disappearing.

Beyond the trophies, AMVCA 2026 delivered what the ceremony is equally famous for — unforgettable fashion moments. African designers dominated the red carpet with dramatic silhouettes, embellished couture, sculptural tailoring, metallic fabrics, and rich traditional influences. The red carpet once again became a runway for African fashion houses to showcase craftsmanship on a continental stage, reinforcing the deep relationship between African cinema and fashion culture.

Below is the full list of winners:

Best Costume Design

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Mary Chukuma

“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade

“Colours of Fire” – Valerie Okeke (WINNER)

“Something About The Briggs” – Yolanda Okereke

“To Kill a Monkey” – Ikechukwu Urum, John Joseph Angel

Best Makeup

“Behind The Scenes” – Mojisola Imam

“Lisabi (A Legend Is Born)” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

“Gingerrr” – Diablaq Artistry

“Abanisete” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

“Warlord” – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) (WINNER)

“Suky” – Ruth Harcourt

“Labake Olododo” – Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Best Art Direction

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Zainab Oladupupo

“The Herd” – Omolade Abisola

“Colours of Fire” – Ajamolaya Bunmi (WINNER)

“Aljana” – Olatunji Afolayan, Gideon Stephen

“Suky” – Victor Akpan

“Inimba” – Thabiso Senne

Best Sound / Sound Design

“My Father’s Shadow” – Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra (WINNER)

“Gingerrr” – Tolu Obanro

“Ben Made It” – Vaughan Phillips

“The Party” – Tolu Obanro

“Sebata (The Beast)” – Vaughan Phillips

“The Herd” – Fisayo Adefolaju

Best Editing

“Cordelia” – Kazeem Agboola

“My Father’s Shadow” – Omar Guzman Castro

“Landline” – Nwanguma Peter Chidebere, Dele Doherty

“3 Cold Dishes” – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi

“Osamede” – Winston AIG-Ohioma

“To Kill a Monkey” – Daniel Anyiam (WINNER)

Best Writing (TV Series)

“The Wives” – Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu

“MTV Shuga Mashariki” – Annette Shadeya & others (WINNER)

“Our Husband” – Xavier Ighorodje

“Addis Fikir” – Besufekade Mulu

“Baba OH” – Temilola Balogun

“The Party” – Stephen Okonkwo

“Gizat” – Yednekachew Ayne

Best Writing (Movie)

“The Herd” – Lani Aisida

“My Father’s Shadow” – Wale Davies (WINNER)

“Blackout” – Ikenna Okpara

“Cards on the Table” – Shirleen Wangari

“Gingerrr” – Xavier Ighorodje

“Suky” – Isaac Ayodeji

“3 Cold Dishes” – Tomi Adesina

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

“Lisabi (A Legend is Born)” – Lateef Adedimeji (WINNER)

“Labake Olododo” – Iyabo Ojo & team

“Aljana” – Grace Yachat Yakubu

“Olorisha” – Abiola Adeshina

Best Cinematography

“My Father’s Shadow” – Jermaine Edwards

“To Kill A Monkey” – Kabelo Thathe (WINNER)

“The Herd” – Emmanuel Igbekele

“Finding Nina” – Daanong Gyang

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Emmanuel Igbekele

“Stitches” – KC Obiajulu

“Gingerrr” – Emmanuel Igbekele

Best Digital Content Creator

“Luxury Koko” – Taaoma (Maryam Apaokagi-Greene)

“The Marriage List” – Destiny Ogie Osarewinda

“The Rate Race” – Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo

“August Meeting Election” – Steve Chuks

“Did I Just Hear Muah” – Akwaman

“Leave To Live” – Emmanuel Kanaga & Sophia Chisom (WINNER)

Best Supporting Actress

“The Herd” – Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)

“Gingerrr” – Bisola Aiyeola

“Behind the Scenes” – Funke Akindele

“The Covenant Series” – Sola Sobowale

“Aljana” – Nadia Dutch

Best Supporting Actor

“To Kill a Monkey” – Bucci Franklin (WINNER)

“Agesinkole 2” – Femi Adebayo

“Colours of Fire” – Gabriel Afolayan

“Behind the Scenes” – Uzor Arukwe

“Red Circle” – Lateef Adedimeji

Best Lead Actress

“Her Excellency” – Sola Sobowale

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)

“Behind the Scenes” – Scarlet Gomez

“The Herd” – Genoveva Umeh

“Mother of the Brides” – Gloria Anozie-Young

Best Lead Actor

“Lisabi” – Lateef Adedimeji

“To Kill a Monkey” – William Benson

“Colours of Fire” – Uzor Arukwe (WINNER)

“3 Cold Dishes” – Wale Ojo

“Red Circle” – Femi Branch

Best Movie

“Gingerrr” – Bisola Aiyeola & team

“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong & team

“My Father’s Shadow” – Funmbi Ogunbanwo & Rachel Dargavel (WINNER)

“3 Cold Dishes” – Asurf Oluseyi & team

“The Serpent’s Gift” – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

“Behind the Scenes” – Funke Akindele & Wendy Imaseun

Best Documentary

“Beyond Olympic Glory” – Shedrack Salami (WINNER)

“The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat” – Louis Ejiofor

“The People Shall” – Mark Maina, Nick Wambugu

“Not Adressing This Anymore” – Huzzain Bello

“BOU” – Mwaka Gerald Remmy

Best Short Film

“Rise” – Jessie J. Rowlands

“Fleas” – Jordy Sank

“Telephone” – Fimisinuola Adejonwo

“Hussainin” – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa (WINNER)

“My Body, God’s Temple” – Uzoamaka Power

Best Score/Music

“My Father’s Shadow” – Duval Timothy, CJ Mirra

“3 Cold Dishes” – Nissi Ogulu

“Osamede” – Chubb Okobah

“Gingerrr” – Tolu Obanro

“The Party” – Tolu Obanro

“MTV Shuga Mashariki” – Sofresh

“To Kill a Monkey” – Oscar Heman-Ackah (WINNER)

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

“Inimba” – Siphosethu Tshapu , Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu (WINNER)

“Kukoyi” – David Akande

 “Undugu” – Hatibu Madudu

“Out N’ About (Harar)” – Bruk Yibrah

“Kamapala Creme” – Joel Ndugwa

“The Chocolate Empire” – Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson

“Mgbuka” – Eze Izu

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

“Nigerian Idol (S10)” – Sulaiman Kassim, Anneke De Ridder (WINNER)

“The Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)” – Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade

“Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa” – Graeme Swanepoel

“Off Air” – Gbemi and Toolz

“Out N’ About” – Bruk Yibrah

Best Scripted M-Net Original

“The Low Priest” – Femi D. Ogunsanwo (WINNER)

“Adam to Eve” – Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras

“Mother of the Brides” – Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro

“The Yard” – James Kalu Omokwe

“Bobo” – Maurice Muendo

Trailblazer Award

Uche Montana (WINNER)

Industry Merit Award

Sola Sobowale (WINNER)

Kanayo O. Kanayo (WINNER)

Best Director

“My Father’s Shadow” – Akinola Davies JR (WINNER)

“Cordelia” – Tunde Kelani

 “Osamede” – James Kaluu Omokwe

“The Herd” – Daniel Etim Effiong

“Gingerrr” – Yemi Filmboy Morafa

“3 Cold Dishes” – Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi