The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) lit up Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Saturday night in a blaze of glamour, emotion, and historic wins. Hosted by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, the ceremony brought together Nollywood’s biggest names to celebrate Africa’s finest in film and television.
“I never saw this coming…my category was crazy,” Uzor Arukwe said after clinching Best Lead Actor for his gripping performance in _Colours of Fire_. The actor edged out a stacked field including Mike Ezuruonye, Lateef Adedimeji, Wale Ojo, and Femi Branch, marking a career-defining moment after previous nominations in 2020 and 2025.
Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman made history as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Best Lead Actress for _The Serpent’s Gift_ and Best Supporting Actress for _The Herd_. Her double victory places her in a rare group of performers to achieve two major acting wins in a single AMVCA cycle.
The night’s top prize, Best Movie, went to _My Father’s Shadow_, which also secured Best Writing for Wale Davies and Best Sound/Sound Design. Director Akinola Davies Jr. was named Best Director for the film, cementing its status as the night’s biggest production winner.
Bucci Franklin delivered one of the most emotional moments, winning Best Supporting Actor for _To Kill a Monkey_. He beat Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, and Uzor Arukwe in a fiercely contested category.
Lateef Adedimeji added another trophy to his growing cabinet, winning Best Indigenous Language Film, West Africa, for _Lisabi: A Legend Is Born_. He dedicated the award to his wife, actress Mo Bimpe Adedimeji, and their newborn triplets.
Other standout wins included _To Kill a Monkey_ sweeping technical categories with Best Cinematography for Kabelo Thathe, Best Editing for Daniel Anyiam, and Best Score for Oscar Heman-Ackah. _Colours of Fire_ also won Best Art Direction for Ajamolaya Bunmi.
In television categories, _Inimba_ won Best Scripted Series, while _Out N’ About (Harar)_ took home Best Unscripted Series. _Nigerian Idol Season 10_ was named Best Unscripted M-Net Original.
The Trailblazer Award was presented to Uche Montana, recognized for her growing influence in the industry. Veteran actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale received the Industry Merit Awards for their contributions to African cinema.
The red carpet was a spectacle in its own right, with stars turning out in custom looks from top designers. The night closed with a high-energy performance by Tiwa Savage, sending the crowd home on a high note.
With _My Father’s Shadow_, _Colours of Fire_, and _To Kill a Monkey_ dominating the wins, the 2026 AMVCA reaffirmed Africa’s growing strength in storytelling, technical craft, and acting excellence. Fans across the continent took to social media to celebrate the surprises, snubs, and standout performances of the night.
As the curtains fell, one thing was clear: AMVCA 2026 belonged to bold performances and fearless storytelling, with Uzor Arukwe and Linda Ejiofor leading a new generation of Nollywood royalty.