Finally, they’re here! With the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) just under two months away, Chimezie Imo aired on Africa Magic channels to announce the full list of nominees.
Since its launch in 2013, the AMVCA has grown into one of the most important platforms celebrating film and television across Africa. Although starting as a largely viewer-driven Nollywood award show, it has evolved into a key industry benchmark—reflecting excellence, shaping audience taste, and spotlighting the direction of African storytelling.
Now in its 12th edition, the AMVCA returns with a renewed sense of purpose.
One of the most notable changes this year happens behind the scenes, as veteran actress Joke Silva steps in as Head Judge, taking over from longtime juror Femi Odugbemi. While subtle, this shift signals a new phase in how the awards may be shaped going forward.
Over time, the AMVCA has expanded beyond its Nollywood roots to embrace a more pan-African identity. This year, that vision becomes even clearer with the introduction of two new categories recognising films in North and Central African indigenous languages—a move aimed at bringing more regions into the spotlight.
In total, the 2026 edition features 32 categories, covering jury-decided awards, audience-voted honours, and special recognitions such as the Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards.
Leading this year’s nominations is “Gingerrr” with nine nominations, followed by “The Herd” with eight. “The Serpent’s Gift” and “To Kill A Monkey” also stand out, earning six nominations each.
Full List of Nominees — AMVCA 2026
Best Digital Content Creator
Elozonam Ogbolu, Genoveva Umeh
Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
Emmanuel Kanaga, Sophia Chisom
Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
Taaooma
Steve Chuks
Akwaman
Best Short Film
Fleas — Jordy Sank
Telephone — Fimisinuola Adejonwo
Hussaini — Oreore Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa
My Body, God’s Temple — Uzoamaka Power
Rise — Praise Adejo
Best Scripted M-Net Original
Adam to Eve
Mother of The Brides
The Yard
The Low Priest
Bobo
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
Nigerian Idol S10
Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Chapa Chapa My Love
Out N About (Harar)
Undugu
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Inimba
Kukoyi
Undugu
Kampala Creme S2
The Chocolate Empire
Mgbuka
Indigenous Language Categories (Pan-African Spotlight)
West Africa
The Serpent’s Gift
Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
Labake Olododo
Olorisha
Aljana
East Africa
Inside Job
Sayari
Addis Fikir
My Son
Kimote
Southern Africa
Bet I Love You
Sebata: The Beast
Ben Made It
Terra Of Queens And Kuma 2
Tlhaho Ya Mosadi
North Africa (New Category)
The Omnipresent
The Delivery
The Hidden Voice
This Is Portsaid
Artal Alhanin: Our Memories
Central Africa (New Category)
Mabanda
Safou: A Gift From Nature
Golden Spoon
Acting Categories
Best Supporting Actor
Simileoluwa Hassan — The Yard
Lateef Adedimeji — Gingerrr
Gabriel Afolayan — Colours Of Fire
Bucci Franklin — To Kill A Monkey
Femi Adebayo — King Of Thieves 2
Lateef Adedimeji — Red Circle
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
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 — TKAM
Ifeoma Fafunwa — The Lost Days
Ariyike Owolagba — Something About The Briggs
Sola Sobowale — Her Excellency
Scarlet Gomez — BTS
Genoveva Umeh — The Herd
Gloria Anozie-Young — Mother Of The Brides
Best Overall Movie
Gingerrr
The Herd
My Father’s Shadow
3 Cold Dishes
The Serpent’s Gift
Behind The Scenes
