African film stars are gathering tonight at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), one of the continent’s biggest celebrations of film and television.
The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Bovi and South African actress Nomalizo Mbatha, marking a change from IK Osakioduwa, who hosted the awards for 11 consecutive editions since its launch in 2013.
Organisers say the night will feature red carpet glamour, live performances, and awards across multiple categories, with millions of viewers expected across Africa.
Major film contenders this year include “Ginger” and “The Herd”, which lead with nine nominations each. “The Herd”, directed by Daniel Effiong, is a crime thriller exploring long-standing national security challenges, while “Ginger” blends comedy and crime and has gained international attention following screenings in London and the United States.
Other strong contenders include “To Kill A Monkey”, “My Father’s Shadow”, and Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes”, which continues to attract attention as one of Nollywood’s most successful productions.
The awards will be presented across 32 categories, including Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and technical awards. The winners will be decided through a combination of jury selection, audience votes, and special recognition categories.
The Best Actor category features nominees such as Kanayo O. Kanayo, Wale Ojo, Femi Branch, Mike Ezuruonye, and Lateef Adedimeji, while the Best Actress category includes Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Akintola, Genevieve Umoh, and Linda Ejiofor, among others.
Ahead of the ceremony, attention is also on the red carpet, where celebrities are expected to showcase bold and creative fashion statements, continuing a tradition of high-profile style moments that have become a major part of the AMVCA experience.
The event is expected to combine film awards, entertainment performances, and fashion highlights in a night celebrating African storytelling and creativity.
