Lagos came alive on Saturday night as movie stars, filmmakers, television personalities and digital creators from across Africa gathered for the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The glamorous event celebrated outstanding achievements in African film, television and digital storytelling, with several productions and performers earning top honours in different categories.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was My Father’s Shadow, which emerged as the Best Movie winner after also clinching awards for Best Score/Music and Best Director.
Filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. received the Best Director award for his work on My Father’s Shadow, beating notable contenders including Tunde Kelani and Daniel Etim-Effiong.
In the acting categories, Uzor Arukwe won the Best Lead Actor award for his role in Colours of Fire, while Bucci Franklin claimed the Best Supporting Actor prize for his performance in To Kill A Monkey.
The Trailblazer Award went to actress Uche Montana in recognition of her rising influence and contribution to the entertainment industry.
Among television and reality productions, Nigerian Idol Season 10 won the Best Unscripted M-Net Original category, while The Low Priest emerged winner of Best Scripted M-Net Original.
The award for Best Series (Unscripted) was presented to Out N’ About (Harar), while Inimba secured the Best Scripted Series title.
In the indigenous language categories, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born won Best Indigenous Language Film in West Africa.
Ethiopian production Addis Fikir earned victory in the East African category, while Our Memories won in North Africa.
The Best Documentary category was won by Beyond Olympic Glory, while Hussainin emerged winner of Best Short Film.
Full List of Major Winners
Best Digital Content Creator
Leave to Live
Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa)
Our Memories
Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
Addis Fikir — Leul Shoaferaw
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Lisabi: A Legend Is Born — Lateef Adedimeji
Best Editing
To Kill A Monkey
Best Documentary
Beyond Olympic Glory
Best Short Film
Hussainin — Orire Nwani and Josh Olaoluwa
Best Score/Music
My Father’s Shadow
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
Nigerian Idol Season 10
Best Scripted M-Net Original
The Low Priest — Femi Ogunsanwo
Best Supporting Actor
Bucci Franklin — To Kill A Monkey
Best Lead Actor
Uzor Arukwe — Colours of Fire
Trailblazer Award
Uche Montana
Best Series (Unscripted)
Out N’ About (Harar)
Best Scripted Series
Inimba
Best Director
Akinola Davies Jr. — My Father’s Shadow
Best Movie
My Father’s Shadow
The ceremony once again showcased the rapid growth of Africa’s entertainment industry, with productions from different parts of the continent receiving international attention and acclaim.
