Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman made history at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) by becoming the first actor to win both Best Lead Actress for The Serpent's Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd in a single night. This rare achievement places her among global talents like Sigourney Weaver and Kate Winslet. In an exclusive interview with Guardian Life, she opens up about the journey to this milestone, the discipline that shaped her, and the advice that guided her career.
Historic AMVCA Night and Its Impact
Winning two awards in one night changed how people perceive her. Linda admits that she had long sought validation and recognition. She says, "People started seeing me differently. I got the validation I prayed for. At some point, I doubted myself when I wasn't getting those roles. Now, people on the street tell me I deserve it."
Selecting Roles and Pricing
Linda emphasizes that she has always been selective about roles, choosing stories that touch lives and evoke emotions. She notes that her price will improve but not price her out of the market. "I've always chosen emotionally driven scripts. The Herd and The Serpent's Gift were special because they addressed real issues."
Handling Criticism and Staying Grounded
Regarding online criticism that others deserved the awards more, Linda says, "It hurt at first, but I trust the jury's decision. The jury was pan-African, not just Nigerian." She desires to win again to affirm her gratitude and skill.
Marriage and Work-Life Balance
Linda and her husband, Ibrahim Suleiman, maintain a strong marriage by separating work from family. "We talked about everything before marriage. We don't bring work home. He's a great listener, and I value his advice."
Career Journey and Family Values
Reflecting on her early days, Linda recalls her father's initial disapproval of her acting career. After a year of filming Tinsel secretly, she told him, and he advised her to remember her family values. "That became my guiding principle. I never want to disappoint him." She avoids controversies because they stick forever and could affect her children's perception of her.
Emotional Roles and Fears
Linda shares that the pain of her characters in The Serpent's Gift and The Herd stayed with her. She fears failure and irrelevance, having experienced a stagnant period three years ago. "I talked to God and my husband. Then I got those two challenging roles. It was an answer."
Daily Life and Future Projects
On non-working days, Linda focuses on family, gym, and reading scripts or watching K-dramas. She is currently filming a new role as a female smuggler in Abeokuta, a character unlike any she has played before. "I'm excited for people to see a different side of me."
Twenty years from now, she hopes to be remembered as an actor with range who delivers characters that draw emotions. "I want people to say, 'When you see Linda on TV, you see the character, not Linda.'"
