All eyes are on Daniel Etim Effiong and Kemi Adetiba as voting closes for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Movie Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs). The Nollywood films The Herd by Daniel Etim Effiong and Ginger directed by Yemi Morafa lead the nominations with nine nods each. Kemi Adetiba's To Kill A Monkey and Akinola Davies Jr.'s My Father's Shadow received seven nominations each. The Serpent's Gift and 3 Cold Dishes garnered six nominations apiece.
The 12th AMVCA features 32 award categories, including 18 jury-voting categories, 11 public-voting categories, and three special recognition awards: Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer honours. Since its inaugural edition, the AMVCA has brought together Africa's brightest talents, setting a high standard for storytelling, culture, and entertainment.
Since its inception in 2013, the award ceremony has become a cornerstone of Africa's creative economy, fostering job creation, revenue generation, and industry growth. Over the past decade, the awards have invested significantly in events, training, and logistics, creating over 30,000 jobs across various sectors. These opportunities have benefited professionals from production designers and screenwriters to sound engineers and artisans.
Above all, the AMVCA has remained a platform for stars and the talent behind some of Africa's most celebrated films and television shows to shine, ensuring their work is seen, honoured, and remembered. In recent editions, the awards featured over 30 categories, split between jury-selected and audience-voted awards, reinforcing a balanced structure that reflects both critical excellence and audience input.
The 12th edition of the AMVCAs introduced key changes that deepen its pan-African reach and commitment to equitable representation. This year's edition expands its Indigenous Language categories with the addition of Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa. This is a landmark step in ensuring that Africa's diverse languages, regions, and creative voices are more fully celebrated on a continental stage.
As African film and television continue to evolve, the AMVCA has also expanded its scope to reflect the growing depth of storytelling across Africa. Today, the AMVCA continues to reflect growth in the African movie industry, one that has always celebrated the best of African creativity and continues to do so at an even greater scale.
As the awards build towards the star-studded ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, all eyes will not only be on fashion but also on the growth of the film industry in Nigeria and Africa in general.
