The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) lit up Eko Hotel & Suites as Africa’s biggest film and television stars gathered for a glamorous celebration of excellence. Hosted by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, the night belonged to My Father’s Shadow, which emerged as the biggest winner with multiple major awards, including Best Movie and Best Director.
Major Category Winners
- Best Movie
My Father’s Shadow (Producers: Funmbi Ogunbanwo & Rachel Dargavel) — WINNER - Best Director
Akinola Davies Jr. – My Father’s Shadow — WINNER - Best Lead Actor
Uzor Arukwe – Colours of Fire — WINNER - Best Lead Actress
Linda Ejiofor – The Serpent’s Gift — WINNER - Best Supporting Actor
Bucci Franklin – To Kill a Monkey — WINNER - Best Supporting Actress
Linda Ejiofor – The Herd — WINNER
(One of the standout double wins of the night.)
Technical & Craft Awards
- Best Cinematography: Kabelo Thathe – To Kill a Monkey — WINNER
- Best Editing: Daniel Anyiam – To Kill a Monkey — WINNER
- Best Writing (Movie): Wale Davies – My Father’s Shadow — WINNER
- Best Score/Music: Duval Timothy & CJ Mirra – My Father’s Shadow — WINNER
- Best Sound Design: Pius Fatoke & CJ Mirra – My Father’s Shadow — WINNER
- Best Costume Design: Valerie Okeke – Colours of Fire — WINNER
- Best Art Direction: Ajamolaya Bunmi – Colours of Fire — WINNER
- Best Makeup: Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) – Warlord (or Lisabi, according to some reports) — WINNER
Special Awards
- Trailblazer Award: Uche Montana — WINNER
- Industry Merit Awards: Sola Sobowale & Kanayo O. Kanayo — WINNERS
Other Notable Winners
- Best Digital Content Creator: Leave To Live – Emmanuel Kanaga & Sophia Chisom — WINNER
- Best Short Film: Hussainin – Orire Nwani & Josh Olaoluwa — WINNER
- Best Documentary: Beyond Olympic Glory – Shedrack Salami — WINNER
Indigenous Language Film Winners
- West Africa: Lisabi: A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji — WINNER
- East Africa: Addis Fikir — WINNER
- South Africa: Tlhaho Ya Mosadi — WINNER
- North Africa and Central Africa were also recognized in their respective categories.
My Father’s Shadow led the night with about five major wins, followed closely by To Kill a Monkey and Colours of Fire. Linda Ejiofor’s double victory also made her one of the standout performers of the evening.
The 2026 edition highlighted the growing depth, diversity, and global potential of African storytelling, with strong showings from both established industry heavyweights and exciting new voices.
Congratulations to all the winners! 🎬🏆
Another unforgettable chapter for African cinema has been written. Which win excited you the most?
