The stage is set for the 12th edition of Africa's most celebrated screen awards. Organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), in partnership with MultiChoice, have officially announced the call for entries. The prestigious ceremony is scheduled to hold in May 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Submission Window and Key Details
The submission portal opened on January 11, 2026, and will close on February 15, 2026. This gives filmmakers and content creators across the continent a five-week window to submit their work for consideration. According to the official guidelines, all entries must have been broadcast or publicly screened between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
Feature-length films must have had a cinematic release, been shown on linear television, or been available on a streaming platform to qualify. All submissions are to be completed online through the official AMVCA portal at www.africamagic.tv/amvca, where full preview copies must be uploaded.
New Categories and Pan-African Focus
The 12th AMVCA introduces significant enhancements to deepen its reach across Africa. A major highlight is the expansion of the Indigenous Language categories. This edition will now include Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa).
Organisers state that these additions underscore the awards' commitment to Pan-Africanism, cultural preservation, and equitable representation. The move aims to ensure a more comprehensive celebration of the continent's diverse linguistic and regional creative voices on a single platform.
Award Structure and Sponsorship
This year's event will feature a total of 32 award categories. The breakdown includes 18 categories decided by a professional jury and 11 categories left to audience votes. Additionally, there will be two special recognition awards: a Lifetime Achievement award and a Trailblazer award.
The 2026 AMVCA will be headlined by lead sponsor Don Julio, signalling the event's continued evolution into a premium cultural showcase. The awards remain MultiChoice's flagship initiative for recognising and rewarding exceptional storytelling in African film and television.
As the call for entries goes out, anticipation builds within Africa's creative industry. The AMVCA continues to be a pivotal platform for spotlighting the growth, creativity, and global potential of African entertainment. All eyes are now on the stories and talents that will define the 12th edition of this unforgettable celebration in Lagos this May.
