The race for Africa’s most prestigious film and television honors has officially moved into high gear. With the release of the nominations for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), a fresh wave of contenders is already shaking up the competition, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic night for African cinema.
The nominations were unveiled during a live broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2026, hosted by actor Chimezie Imo. This year’s lineup offers a vibrant mix of industry heavyweights and rising stars who are collectively redefining the continent’s storytelling landscape. Leading the pack are the films Gingerrr and The Herd, which secured nine nominations each, covering everything from top-tier acting to technical and directorial excellence.
Other major players have also emerged as early favorites. To Kill A Monkey followed closely with eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow earned seven, ensuring a highly competitive field. Beyond the sheer volume of nods, the 2026 list signals a significant shift toward diverse narratives and the inclusion of emerging voices. Even so, the “old guard” remains a powerful force; veteran actress Sola Sobowale made headlines by earning dual nominations in both lead and supporting categories, while stars like Uzor Arukwe and Lateef Adedimeji also secured multiple nods.
One of the most talked-about developments this year is the rise of a new generation of talent. Genoveva Umeh, for instance, landed her first-ever nomination for Best Lead Actress, a milestone that positions her as a key name to watch on the big night. The nominations also reflect the impressive geographical reach of the awards, featuring indigenous language films from across West, East, Southern, Central, and North Africa, alongside a strong showing for digital content and documentaries.
This year features a total of 32 categories. While 18 of these will be decided by a professional jury, 11 categories have been opened to public voting, allowing fans to have a direct say in who takes home the trophy. There are also three special recognition awards intended to honor long-term contributions to the industry. Public voting commenced shortly after the live announcement, sparking immediate engagement from audiences across the continent.
All eyes are now turned toward Lagos, where the grand ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026. The event is expected to be a glamorous affair, bringing together the brightest stars in African entertainment. Industry observers suggest that this edition could be a defining moment, as a new wave of filmmakers and actors looks ready to elevate African storytelling to even greater heights on the global stage.
