10th AMCVA Award Winners: How AMVCA Became Africa’s Biggest Film Event
Over the past decade, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have emerged as Africa’s premier film event, bringing together the continent’s finest cinematic talents. Since its launch in 2013, this prestigious event has not only honored artistic excellence but also propelled the growth of various creative disciplines. By showcasing storytellers who craft narratives that resonate with audiences across Africa, AMVCA has become a cornerstone of the African film industry.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the AMVCA has a profound economic impact, as highlighted by last year’s comprehensive AMVCA Impact Report. Each ceremony generates over 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, totaling an estimated 27,000 jobs across all editions. From production designers to screenwriters, the AMVCA empowers a wide array of professionals, fostering growth and prosperity within the Nigerian economy and beyond.
The AMVCA also acts as a magnet for tourists, drawing visitors from around the world who immerse themselves in the host country’s vibrant culture. This influx boosts various sectors, from hospitality to transportation, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses experiencing increased patronage and revenue. The success of the African film industry, catalyzed by the AMVCA, extends its influence to adjacent sectors such as fashion, music, and the arts. African designers, stylists, makeup artists, and musicians find new opportunities for collaboration and expression during the event, amplifying the continent’s creative economy.
For MultiChoice, the driving force behind the AMVCA, the awards symbolize a symbiotic relationship with investments in production infrastructure and talent development through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. These investments elevate film standards and foster a robust ecosystem of collaboration and international recognition. While the AMVCA continues to evolve, its core mission remains to enrich the socio-economic landscape of African nations and uplift its people through the power of storytelling and creativity.
The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was a grand celebration of talent, creativity, and excellence in African film and television. Among the stars who graced the event, Big Brother Naija reality star Beauty Tukura shone brightest, clinching the Best Dressed Female Award for the second consecutive year. With confidence, Beauty boldly declared her intent to retain the title "until further notice," sharing her joy on Instagram and captivating her fans with her glamorous win.
Venita Akpofure, another star from the Big Brother Naija universe, also made a mark by winning the Best Dressed Female award for the second consecutive year at the 10th AMVCA Cultural Day and Opening Night celebration. Her consistent fashion excellence underscored her status as a style icon in the industry.
While individual triumphs were celebrated, the crown jewel of the night belonged to 'Breath of Life,' which emerged as the biggest winner, bagging an impressive six awards. The movie captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances, sweeping accolades including Best Movie, Best Director (BB Sasore), Best Lead Actor (Wale Ojo), Best Supporting Actor (Demola Adedoyin), Best Supporting Actress (Genoveva Umeh), and Trailblazer (Chimezie Imo), leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
However, the night was not without surprises and notable snubs. Funke Akindele's groundbreaking film 'A Tribe Called Judah,' despite its record-breaking box office success, failed to secure any of its five nominations. This sparked conversations among industry pundits about the criteria and dynamics of award recognition in the African film industry.
The AMVCA, presented annually by MultiChoice, serves as a beacon of recognition for exceptional achievements in television and film across the continent. This year’s edition featured a diverse array of categories, each honoring the dedication and creativity of industry professionals who bring stories to life on screen.
Here are some notable winners from the various categories:
Best Makeup: Campbell Precious (Mami Wata)
Best Art Direction: Over The Bridge (Abisola Omolade)
Best Costume Design: Lola Awe (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)
Best Writing TV Series: Volume (Mona Ombogo)
Best Writing in a Movie: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola)
Best Sound Design: Grey Jones Ossai (Blood Vessel)
Best Editing: Antonio Ribeiro (The Black Book)
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa): Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)
Best Cinematography: Over The Bridge (KC Obiajulu)
Best Digital Content: Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement (Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, Layi Wasabi)
Best Short Film: Broken Mask
Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life)
Best Supporting Actor: Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)
Trailblazer: Chimezie Imo
Industry Merit Award: Esther Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow) and Richard Mofe-Damijo
Best Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire)
Best Lead Actor: Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)
Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie: Her Dark Past
Best Unscripted Series: Gh Queens (Season 2)
Best Scripted Series: Itura
Best Director: BB Sasore (Breath of Life)
Best Movie: Breath of Life
The 10th AMVCA not only celebrated the achievements of established stars but also recognized emerging talents and groundbreaking productions that push the boundaries of storytelling. As the curtains closed on this spectacular event, the winners basked in the glow of their success, inspiring generations of storytellers to dream bigger, create bolder, and continue the legacy of African excellence in film and television.