Nollywood Star Iyabo Ojo Reacts to Double AMVCA 2026 Nominations
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nomination list for 2026 has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with veteran actress Iyabo Ojo among the notable recipients of recognition. The acclaimed Nollywood performer has publicly responded to the announcement, celebrating her dual nominations and extending warm congratulations to fellow nominees in the prestigious awards ceremony.
Labake Olododo Earns Recognition in Two Categories
Iyabo Ojo's cinematic project Labake Olododo, which premiered in 2025, has secured nominations in two distinct categories at the upcoming AMVCA ceremony. The film has been recognized for Best Indigenous Language West Africa and Best Makeup, highlighting both its cultural significance and technical excellence. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Ojo's extensive career within Nigeria's vibrant film industry.
The official nomination list was released on Sunday, March 29, 2026, generating anticipation among fans and industry professionals alike. The awards ceremony itself is scheduled to take place in May 2026 in Lagos, featuring a total of thirty-two award categories. Among these, eighteen categories will be determined by a professional jury panel, while eleven categories will be open to public voting, allowing audiences to participate directly in the selection process.
Heartwarming Message to Co-Nominees
In her response to the nominations, Iyabo Ojo expressed profound gratitude on behalf of herself and her entire production team. Through her official social media channels, the actress shared a heartfelt message acknowledging the recognition from AMVCA organizers. "Thank you, AMVCA, @africamagic for the 2 nominations for Labake Olododo. On behalf of my entire team and my humble self we're grateful. Kudos to all my co-nominees. This is a win for all of us," she wrote, emphasizing the collective nature of the achievement.
This gracious response has resonated strongly with fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry, generating numerous supportive comments and celebratory messages. The actress's acknowledgment of her fellow nominees has been particularly praised as demonstrating professional camaraderie and sportsmanship within the competitive film landscape.
Fan Reactions and Industry Context
The announcement has sparked enthusiastic responses from Iyabo Ojo's extensive fan base, with many taking to social media to celebrate her accomplishment. Numerous comments highlighted the quality of Labake Olododo, with viewers praising its engaging storyline, compelling performances, and valuable life lessons. One fan remarked, "Labake olododo is soooo good. I hardly watch Yoruba movies. When I started watching Labake, I could not stop until I finished watching it." Another supporter added, "The movie deserves it. I watched it twice. Your face's seriousness in the scenes still makes me laugh every time."
Within the broader industry context, several other notable Nollywood productions have also received AMVCA nominations, including Funke Akindele's Behind The Scenes and Toyin Abraham's Oversabi Aunty, both competing in similar categories. This year's nominations reflect the continued growth and diversification of Nigeria's film industry, with increasing recognition for both mainstream and indigenous language productions.
Awards Ceremony Anticipation Builds
As preparations continue for the May 2026 ceremony in Lagos, industry observers note that the AMVCA nominations have already generated substantial discussion about award presentation protocols. In related commentary, actor Kunle Remi recently contrasted the immediate award presentation practices at international ceremonies like the Oscars with domestic award procedures, though his remarks were not directly connected to Iyabo Ojo's nominations.
The dual recognition of Labake Olododo represents a significant achievement for Iyabo Ojo and her production team, highlighting both the film's artistic merits and its cultural relevance. As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build regarding which nominees will ultimately receive trophies in their respective categories, with the actress's supporters eagerly awaiting the final results.
