AMVCA 2025: A Night of Celebration and Transformation in Nollywood

The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was a night that glittered with stars, celebrated Nollywood’s finest, and acknowledged the rising stars who continue to shape and define the African film industry. Held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on 10th of May 2025, the event, known for its glitz, glamour, and grandeur, didn’t just shine a spotlight on the talents of the moment but also took time to honour the legacies of those who have helped carve Nollywood into the global powerhouse it is today.

Among the night’s big winners was Seven Doors, a gripping drama that not only took home Best Lead Actor for Femi Adebayo but also Best Lead Actress for Chioma Chukwuka. Seven Doors became a talking point not just for its stellar performances but for what it represents in Nollywood’s ongoing shift towards powerful and intricate storytelling. While Chioma Chukwuka couldn’t attend the ceremony in person, her joy and shock were palpable in an Instagram video where she thanked her fans and team for their unwavering support.

But the night wasn't just about the new stars rising. It was also a moment to honor the pillars who have shaped the Nollywood we know today. Icons like Sani Mu'azu and Nkem Owoh were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of their lasting impact on the industry. Their decades-long dedication to shaping African cinema have not only influenced generations of filmmakers and actors but have also paved the way for future generations to flourish.

Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors: A Historic Night

The night belonged to Seven Doors, a film that marked a significant turning point in the careers of both Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka. Femi Adebayo’s win for Best Lead Actor was met with a round of applause as the actor took to the stage to accept his award. Femi’s career has been on an upward trajectory for years, and his performance in Seven Doors solidified his place as one of Nollywood’s finest actors.

Chioma Chukwuka’s win for Best Lead Actress was equally monumental. The veteran actress, who has been in the industry for decades, was recognized for her powerful portrayal in Seven Doors. Though she couldn’t attend the ceremony in person, Chioma’s Instagram video captured her shock and elation, making it clear just how deeply this recognition meant to her. Her win represents the longevity of women in Nollywood, proving that after decades in the industry, women can still emerge as frontrunners in top categories.

Lisabi: The Uprising - A Groundbreaking Achievement

Another big winner of the night was Lisabi: The Uprising, a historical epic that took home the coveted Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award. This was a monumental victory not only for the film’s creators but also for the resurgence of African languages on screen. Lisabi: The Uprising starred the power duo of Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji, whose performances were lauded by the audience. The pair took to the stage together to accept the award, expressing heartfelt gratitude to God and the entire team that made the film a success.

This win was significant because it highlights the growing importance of indigenous languages in African cinema. Films in local dialects have often struggled to gain mainstream recognition, but Lisabi: The Uprising proved that there is an appetite for authentic, culturally rich storytelling that connects to African history and heritage.

A Night of Innovation: Kayode Kasum and the Trailblazer Award

One of the highlights of the AMVCA 2025 was the presentation of the Trailblazer Award to director Kayode Kasum. Known for his genre-defying approach to filmmaking, Kasum has been a driving force in pushing Nollywood beyond its traditional boundaries. His work has been a breath of fresh air, combining elements of Nigerian culture with modern cinematic techniques that appeal to both local and international audiences.

Kayode Kasum’s award is not just a recognition of his innovative storytelling but a call for more bold, experimental films in Nollywood. Kasum’s work on projects like The Man Died and Sugar Rush have changed the game, showing that Nollywood is evolving. The Trailblazer Award is a symbol of Nollywood's willingness to explore new formats and genres, to take risks, and to adapt in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing global film industry.

Lifetime Achievement Honors: Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu

This year’s AMVCA was also a celebration of the giants who laid the foundation for Nollywood. Nkem Owoh, a legendary actor known for his unique blend of humor and depth, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Owoh's career spans over three decades, and his contributions to Nollywood are immeasurable. From his role in Osuofia in London to countless others, Owoh has made an indelible mark on African cinema, bringing joy and laughter to millions of viewers. His award was not just a personal recognition but a celebration of his long-standing legacy in Nollywood.

Alongside him, Sani Mu’azu, a producer and director, also received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mu’azu has been instrumental in shaping Nollywood’s commercial successes, and his visionary leadership has paved the way for other filmmakers to follow. His work in bringing attention to diverse Nigerian stories has enriched Nollywood and made it more inclusive, allowing space for films that reflect the cultural mosaic of the country.

These awards are more than just acknowledgments of the past. They are markers of Nollywood's growth, showing how the contributions of pioneers continue to shape the next generation of filmmakers and actors.

A Night of Glamour and Recognition for Emerging Talent

While the veterans stole the show in the Lifetime Achievement categories, the night also showcased the fresh talent emerging from Nollywood. Clarence Peters’ Inside Life saw Gabriel Afolayan winning Best Supporting Actor, while Farmer’s Bride secured Mercy Aigbe the Best Supporting Actress award. Aigbe’s win was significant as it highlights the ongoing rise of women in Nollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.

Mercy Aigbe's recognition further underscores the increasing importance of roles for women in Nollywood films. This aligns with a broader trend across African cinema where the narrative is evolving to feature more complex, powerful female characters. Women like Mercy Aigbe, Ireti Doyle, and Meg Otanwa are becoming pillars within Nollywood, with their skill sets appreciated in all aspects of film production.

The Rising Influence of Nollywood in Africa and Beyond

The AMVCA, beyond being a celebration of individual and collective achievements, also highlights Nollywood’s growing global influence. As Africa’s largest film industry, Nollywood has begun to tap into international markets, and the AMVCA is a showcase of that rising star power. Films like Inkabi and Suspicion were not just recognized for their technical achievements but also for their ability to capture the attention of audiences beyond the African continent.

The international recognition of films from Nollywood is also reflective of the evolving tastes of global audiences. In the past decade, African films have gained international acclaim, with Nollywood films being selected for prestigious film festivals and distributed on international streaming platforms. This global success is directly tied to the work being celebrated at the AMVCA, where the industry continues to set new standards for production quality and creative storytelling.

A Call for Inclusion: Diversity Across the Continent

While the night was filled with excitement and celebration, there was also an underlying call for more inclusion. The dominance of Nigerian productions in most of the major categories raised some concerns about the representation of other African countries in the awards. Films from countries like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa were noticeably absent from key categories, and this has sparked conversations about the need for a more inclusive approach to future awards.

Nollywood’s influence in Africa is unquestionable, but the AMVCA has an opportunity to become a truly Pan-African platform. For Nollywood to continue growing, it must embrace the diversity of voices from all across Africa. There is an immense wealth of untold stories waiting to be shared from the rest of the continent, and the AMVCA must play a pivotal role in amplifying those narratives.

Conclusion: The AMVCA as a Barometer for Nollywood’s Future

The 11th edition of the AMVCA was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a celebration of Nollywood’s journey and a look into the future of African cinema. The night was marked by remarkable wins, such as those of Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka for Seven Doors and Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji for Lisabi: The Uprising, as well as the recognition of veterans like Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu. The rise of female creatives and the increasing technical sophistication in Nigerian films also highlighted the industry's dynamic evolution.

However, it is clear that Nollywood’s journey is far from over. As the industry continues to evolve, the AMVCA has the opportunity to serve as a platform that fosters greater inclusivity and global recognition. As Nollywood pushes the boundaries of creativity, the industry must embrace the diversity of the African continent, ensuring that the voices of filmmakers from all corners of Africa are heard and celebrated.

With its rich history, growing international influence, and its commitment to storytelling excellence, Nollywood’s future is undeniably bright. The AMVCA has, and will continue to be, a testament to that evolution, shining a light on the stars of today while paving the way for the filmmakers and actors of tomorrow.

Here’s the full list of nominees with the winners indicated:

Best Movie

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Femi Adebayo

• Clarence Peters' Inside Life — Clarence Peters

• Inkabi — Adetutu Olanrewaju

Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Femi Adebayo

• Farmer's Bride — Mercy Aigbe

• Inkabi — Adetutu Olanrewaju

Best Supporting Actor

• Inside Life — Gabriel Afolayan (Winner)

• Freedom Way — Bimbo Ademoye

• The Man Died — Nkem Owoh

• Seven Doors — Odunlade Adekola

Best Supporting Actress

• Farmer's Bride — Mercy Aigbe (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Toyin Abraham

• Inkabi — Temidayo Enitan

• Clarence Peters' Inside Life — Lilian Esoro

Best Lead Actor

• Seven Doors — Femi Adebayo (Winner)

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Adedimeji Lateef

• The Man Died — Ramsey Nouah

• Inkabi — Ayotunde Adeyemo

Best Lead Actress

• Seven Doors — Chioma Chukwuka (Winner)

• The Man Died — Rita Dominic

• Freedom Way — Bimbo Ademoye

• Farmer's Bride — Funke Akindele

Best Cinematography

• The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos — Leo Purman (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Wale Alabi

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Tunde Akinleye

• Inside Life — John F. Ogoegbunam

Best Sound/Sound Design

• Suspicion — Michael Botha and Olaosebikan Okonrende (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Ayoade Akinbiyi

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Tunji Afolabi

• Inkabi — Zino Olorundare

Best Editing

• Inkabi — Tongai Furusa (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Akin Solarin

• Freedom Way — Joseph Chuks

• Clarence Peters' Inside Life — Tayo Adeyemi

Best Score/Music

• Seven Doors — Tolu Obanro (Winner)

• Freedom Way — Aramide Bello

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Eniola Salau

• Inside Life — Olamide Ayodele

Best Art Direction

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Solihull Badu Noutical and Ayanmo Yakub (Winner)

• The Man Died — Seyi Oduyela

• Seven Doors — Remi Fola

• Farmer's Bride — Olamide Oyetunji

Best Make-Up

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Hakeem Onilogbo (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Olaoluwa Akinmoladun

• Freedom Way — Dare Ademola

• Inkabi — Ayo Alabi

Best Writer (Movie)

• Freedom Way — Blessing Uzzi (Winner)

• The Man Died — Nkem Owoh

• Seven Doors — Femi Adebayo

• Inside Life — Olamide Akintoye

Best Costume Design

• Christmas in Lagos — Adedamola Adeyemi (Winner)

• Seven Doors — Olusola Adebayo

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Titilola Obafunke

• Inkabi — Dare Toluwase

Best Writing (TV Series)

• Untying Kantai — Abel Mutua Musyoka (Winner)

• Inside Life — Femi Adebayo

• The Outsiders — Faruq Sulaimon

• Life's a Stage — Kemi Balogun

Best Documentary

• Dundun — Ifeoluwa Fatogun and Ebi Atawodi (Winner)

• Jungle Beats — Ekundayo Adebayo

• The Greater Truth — Durotimi Samson

• The Masked Revolution — Taiwo Otun

Best Series (Scripted)

• Clarence Peters' Inside Life — Clarence Peters (Winner)

• Inside the Abyss — Wale Ojo

• The Outsiders — Tunde Bakare

• Life's a Stage — Olamide Shukura

Best Director

• The Man Died — Awam Amkpa (Winner)

• Inside Life — Clarence Peters

• Seven Doors — Femi Adebayo

• Lisabi: The Uprising — Tunde Akinleye

Trailblazer Award

• Kayode Kasum (Winner)

Industry Merit Award

• Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh (Winner)

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A guest post by

Layo

A curious mind exploring the crossroads of creativity and insight.