The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has unveiled its nominees for the 2026 edition, with Gingerrr and The Herd emerging as the most nominated films, earning nine nominations each across major and technical categories.
The nominations were announced on Sunday during a live broadcast on Africa Magic channels, hosted by AMVCA-winning actor Chimezie Imo.
The 12th edition of the awards is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, in Lagos, featuring 32 categories, including 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted honours, and three special recognition prizes.
Closely following the top contenders, To Kill A Monkey received eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow secured seven nominations across multiple categories.
The leading titles dominated key sections such as acting, directing, and technical fields, underscoring the competitiveness of this year’s awards.
Veteran actress Joke Silva has been appointed as head judge for the 2026 edition.
Meanwhile, voting for audience categories opened at 8 pm on March 29.
In the performance categories, actors such as Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, and Uzor Arukwe earned nominations for Best Lead Actor, while Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, and Genoveva Umeh feature among nominees for Best Lead Actress.
The Best Supporting Actress category includes Linda Ejiofor, Bisola Aiyeola, and Funke Akindele, while Gabriel Afolayan is among those recognised in the Best Supporting Actor category.
Technical categories also highlight strong showings from Gingerrr, The Herd, and My Father’s Shadow, with multiple nominations in cinematography, sound design, editing, and score music.
For the top prize, Gingerrr, The Herd, My Father’s Shadow, 3 Cold Dishes, The Serpent’s Gift, and Behind The Scenes will compete in the Best Movie category.
In television, To Kill A Monkey and The Yard are among contenders for Best Scripted Series, while The Real Housewives of Lagos and Nigerian Idol feature prominently in unscripted categories.
The AMVCA remains one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms for recognising excellence in film and television, celebrating both established industry figures and emerging talents across the continent.
Full list of nominees spans multiple categories, including: Best Digital Content Creator – Dr Judgina (Situationally Transmitted Delusion), Elozonam Ogbolu and Genoveva Umeh (The Marriage List), Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom (Leave To Live), Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo (The Rate Race), Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Luxury Koko/Taaoma), Steve Chuks (August Meeting Election), Akwaman (Did I Just Hear Muah).
Best Indigenous Language (East Africa) – Inside Job, Sayari, Addis Fikir, My Son, Kimote.
Best Short Film – Rise, Fleas, Telephone, Hussainin, My Body, God’s Temple.
Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) – The Serpent’s Gift, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, Labake Olododo, Aljana, Olorisha.
Best Indigenous Language (North Africa) – The Omnipresent, The Delivery, The Hidden Voice, This Is Portsaid, Artal Alhanin – Our Memories.
Best Indigenous Language (Central Africa) – Mabanda, Safou: A Gift From Nature, Golden Spoon.
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, Out N’ About (Harar), Kampala Creme (S2), The Chocolate Empire, Mgbuka.
Other major awards include Best Supporting Actress, Best Lead Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Documentary, Best Score Music, Best Writing (TV Series and Movie), Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, Best Series (Scripted and Unscripted), Best Make-up, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Movie.
The 12th edition of AMVCA promises to be a celebration of African creativity, innovation, and storytelling, bringing together the continent’s finest talents to showcase excellence in cinema and television.
