The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) served as a vibrant tapestry of African cinematic excellence, celebrating the continent’s rich storytelling traditions and technical prowess. The prestigious event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, culminated in a dazzling awards ceremony on Saturday, preceded by a colorful Cultural Day on Friday where stars and creatives from across Africa showcased the continent’s diverse heritage through their stunning traditional attire. This year’s AMVCAs highlighted the growing sophistication and global reach of African film and television, with nominees representing a wide array of genres and themes, reflecting the dynamic narratives emerging from the continent.
Among the night’s biggest winners were Saliu Badiu and Ayanmo Yakub, who received the Best Art Direction award for their exceptional work on the historical epic ‘Lisabi: The Uprising.’ Their meticulous attention to detail in set design and visual storytelling transported viewers to pre-colonial Yoruba land, immersing them in the film’s narrative of resistance and cultural identity. The film’s atmospheric authenticity and visual richness underscored the power of art direction in bringing historical narratives to life, setting a new standard for cinematic artistry in African filmmaking. The award recognized not only their individual talents but also the importance of historical epics in preserving and celebrating African heritage.
The 11th edition of the AMVCAs, organized by MultiChoice, continued its tradition of honoring outstanding achievements in African film, television, and digital content. The awards encompassed a diverse range of categories, recognizing excellence in acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and technical production. This year’s nominations, drawn from works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, showcased the breadth and depth of African cinematic talent. Films like ‘Lisabi: The Uprising,’ ‘Skeleton Coast,’ ‘House of Ga’a,’ and ‘Freedom Way’ emerged as frontrunners, garnering multiple nominations across various categories, indicating their critical acclaim and popular appeal.
The AMVCAs also served as a platform to celebrate the exceptional talents of African actors and actresses. The Best Lead Actor category saw a strong lineup of nominees, including Gideon Okeke for his role in ‘Tokunbo,’ Stan Nze in ‘Suspicion,’ Femi Adebayo in ‘Seven Doors,’ and Adedimeji Lateef, who also starred in ‘Lisabi: The Uprising.’ These nominations underscored the depth of male acting talent in the African film industry and the compelling performances that captivated audiences throughout the year.
The Best Lead Actress category also featured a formidable roster of talented women, including Chioma Chukwuka, Bimbo Ademoye, and Uche Montana. Their nominations highlighted the significant contributions of women to African cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. The AMVCAs provided a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of these talented actresses, further solidifying their positions as leading figures in the industry.
The AMVCAs have become a cornerstone of the African film and television industry, promoting excellence and fostering a vibrant community of creatives. By recognizing and rewarding outstanding achievements, the awards inspire future generations of filmmakers and storytellers to push the boundaries of African cinema. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to connect audiences with diverse cultures and perspectives. The AMVCAs not only celebrate the present but also shape the future of African filmmaking, paving the way for greater global recognition and appreciation of the continent’s rich cinematic landscape.
