The wait is finally over. The curtains have been pulled back on the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and the 2026 lineup is a high-stakes testament to a record-breaking year in African cinema.
Unveiled by the esteemed Head of Jury, Joke Silva, this year’s list spans 32 categories, including two groundbreaking new additions: Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa). Whether you’re a fan of the blockbusters or the indie darlings, one thing is clear—May 2026 in Lagos is going to be legendary.
The Headlines: Lateef’s Double-Dip and the Queens of the Screen
The narrative of the night is undoubtedly the dominance of Lateef Adedimeji, who has managed the rare feat of being nominated for both Best Lead Actor (Lisabi 2) and a double nod in the Best Supporting Actor category (Gingerr and Red Circle).
Meanwhile, the race for Best Lead Actress is a certified "clash of the titans," featuring Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, and Linda Ejiofor in a field that is almost impossible to call.
2026 AMVCA Major Category Nominations
| Category | Top Nominees |
| Best Movie | Gingerrr, My Father’s Shadow, Behind The Scenes, 3 Cold Dishes |
| Best Lead Actor | Lateef Adedimeji, Uzor Arukwe, William Benson, Wale Ojo |
| Best Lead Actress | Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, Scarlet Gomez, Linda Ejiofor |
| Best Director | Tunde Kelani, Akinola Davies Jr, Daniel Etim Effiong, Yemi Morafa |
The Full Nominee Roll Call
Acting Categories
Best Lead Actor: Mike Ezuruonye (Oversabi Aunty), Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi 2), William Benson (To Kill a Monkey), Kanayo O. Kanayo (Grandpa Must Obey), Khumbuza Meyiwa (Bet I Love You), Uzor Arukwe (Colours of Fire), Wale Ojo (3 Cold Dishes), Femi Branch (Red Circle).
Best Lead Actress: Linda Ejiofor (The Serpent’s Gift), Bimbo Akintola (To Kill a Monkey), Ifeoma Fafunwa (The Lost Days), Ariyike Owolagba (Something About the Briggs), Sola Sobowale (Her Excellency), Scarlet Gomez (Behind the Scenes), Genoveva Umeh (The Herd), Gloria Anozie-Young (Mother of the Brides).
Best Supporting Actor: Simileoluwa Hassan (The Yard), Lateef Adedimeji (Gingerr & Red Circle), Gabriel Afolayan (Colours of Fire), Bucci Franklin (To Kill a Monkey), Femi Adebayo (King of Thieves 2), Femi Branch (Owambe Thieves), Uzor Arukwe (Behind the Scenes).
Best Supporting Actress: Linda Ejiofor (The Herd), Olamide Kidbaby (Oversabi Aunty), Bisola Aiyeola (Gingerrr), Sola Sobowale (The Covenant), Nadia Dutch (Aljana), Amal Umar (The Herd), Juliebrenda Nyambura (MTV Shuga Mashariki), Funke Akindele (Behind The Scenes).
Behind the Lens
Best Director: Akinola Davies Jr (My Father’s Shadow), Tunde Kelani (Cordelia), James Omokwe (Osamede), Daniel Etim Effiong (The Herd), Yemi Filmboy Morafa (Gingerr), Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi (3 Cold Dishes).
Best Writing (Movie): Lani Aisida (The Herd), Wale Davies (My Father’s Shadow), Ikenna Okpara (Blackout), Shirleen Wangari (Cards On The Table), Xavier Ighorodje (Gingerrr), Isaac Ayodeji (Suky), Tomi Adesina (3 Cold Dishes).
Digital & Series
Best Digital Content Creator: Elozonam Ogbolu, Genoveva Umeh, Destiny Ogie Osarewinda, Emmanuel Kanaga, Sophia Chisom, Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo, Taaooma, Steve Chuks, Akwaman.
Best Scripted Series: To Kill a Monkey, The Yard, The Chocolate Empire, Inimba, Kash Money.
