The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 11th edition held in Lagos, Nigeria was really glamourous.
This year’s event brought together the best of African film and television under one roof. It was a night filled with excitement, emotion, and unforgettable moments, as actors, filmmakers, and creatives from across the continent were honored for their incredible work.
One of the big highlights of the night was Lisabi: The Uprising, which not only won Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) but also took home awards for Best Art Direction and Best Make-Up. The powerful storytelling and detailed production design clearly left a strong impression on both the judges and the audience.
In the short film category, Brukaci by Jide Jblaze Oyegbile earned the Best Short Film award, while ZI M UZO by Nnodim Chigozie took the award for Best Indigenous (M-Net Original). Nigerian Idol was named Best Unscripted M-Net Original, continuing to show its impact on the entertainment industry.
My Fairytale Wedding, produced by Chinenye Nworah and Taiwo Adebayo, was crowned Best Scripted M-Net Original, and Everything Light Touches from West Africa won Best Multichoice Talent Factory Project. It was also a proud moment for Mai Shay Chigozie, which won in its category, further showcasing the diversity of storytelling across the region.
Femi Adebayo shone brightly as he took home the Best Lead Actor award for his role in Seven Doors, while Mercy Aigbe was named Best Supporting Actress for Farmer’s Bride. Gabriel Afolayan also picked up the Best Supporting Actor award for Clarence Peters’ Inside Life, which later won Best Series (Scripted) as well.
In other categories, Queen of Lagos won Best Cinematography, Inkabi took Best Editing, and Seven Doors won again for Best Score/Music. The award for Best Sound/Sound Design was shared by Olaosebikan Okonrende, and Christmas in Lagos stood out with Best Costume Design.
Writing was also celebrated, with Untying Kantai by Abel Mutua Musyoka winning Best Writing (TV Series), and Freedom Way by Blessing Uzzi winning both Best Writer (Movie) and the prestigious Best Movie award.
In the documentary space, Dundun by Ifeoluwa Fatogun and Ebi Atawodi was honored as Best Documentary, while Wa Milele? (Forever?) by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa won Best Unscripted Series.
Director Awam Amkpa received praise for his work on The Man Died, winning Best Director, while the Trailblazer Award went to Kayode Kasum, a young filmmaker making waves in the industry. The Industry Merit Award was presented to two legends: Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh, in recognition of their lifelong contributions to African film and television.
Finally, Iyo Prosper Adokiye was named Best Digital Content Creator, showing how new media continues to play a huge role in storytelling today.
AMVCA 11 was more than just an award show, it was a celebration of Africa’s talent, creativity, and passion for storytelling. From traditional stories told in indigenous languages to bold, modern tales shared across platforms, this year’s winners proved that African cinema is alive, thriving, and here to stay.