The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), scheduled for May 9, 2026, in Lagos, is poised to be a landmark event, celebrating outstanding achievements in African film and television. With Joke Silva serving as head judge, this year's nominations highlight a compelling blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent across its most coveted categories, particularly Best Lead Actress and Best Director.

The Best Lead Actress category at the 2026 AMVCA is an extraordinary "collision of generations," showcasing a wide spectrum of talent and diverse human experiences. Eight distinct journeys are on display, from navigating generational curses to fighting for existence against a legacy determined to erase them. The nominees include:

Linda Ejiofor, for her compelling performance in “The Serpent’s Gift,” where she carries a story rooted in Yoruba tradition and inherited secrets with grounded and commanding presence. The film received six AMVCA nominations, and Ejiofor herself earned a double nomination this year, also for Best Supporting Actress in “The Herd.” A previous winner in 2015, Ejiofor returns as a leading force more than a decade later.

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola is nominated for her role as Inspector Mo in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix hit, “To Kill A Monkey.” Akintola, a fixture in Nollywood for over three decades, brings focused intensity and moral spine to her character, making every scene high-stakes. Her career, which includes previous AMVCA nominations across various genres, continues to evolve, reminding audiences of her enduring talent.

The most unexpected, yet compelling, nominee is Ifeoma Fafunwa, a celebrated playwright, director, and activist making her screen acting debut in “The Lost Days.” She portrays Chisom, a businesswoman confronting hidden truths from her past. Her raw and authentic performance impressed the jury, marking a significant entry point for her into the acting world.

Ariyiike Owolagba receives her first AMVCA nomination for her cinema debut in “Something About The Briggs.” As Sophie Briggs, a lawyer convinced her family is under a marriage curse, Owolagba delivers a powerful performance, solidifying her arrival as a formidable presence in Nollywood, especially alongside industry veterans.

Genoveva Umeh’s nomination for “The Herd” marks a significant graduation, following her Best Supporting Actress win in 2024. In “The Herd,” she plays Derin, a bride thrust into a terrifying fight for survival. This double nominee (also for Best Digital Content Creator) demonstrates a remarkable range, proving her to be an undeniable force in the industry.

Nollywood icon Sola Sobowale, known for her powerful screen presence, is nominated for “Her Excellency.” She portrays Moyeni, a First Lady whose obsession with control leads to chaos, revealing a surprising fragility beneath her fury. Sobowale also received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for “The Covenant,” underscoring her continued impactful work.

Scarlet Gomez is recognized for her role as Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran in “Behind The Scenes,” Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2025, which surpassed ₦2.1 billion at the box office. This nomination solidifies her evolution from a television icon to a record-breaking box office queen, building on her 2023 recognition for “Wura.”

Finally, veteran Gloria Anozie-Young earns a nomination for “Mother of the Brides” as Mai Sisi, a matriarch fighting to maintain her legacy after her husband’s death. Anozie-Young's decades of work are deeply woven into Nigerian cinema, and her nomination is a much-deserved acknowledgment of her enduring talent.

Beyond acting, the role of a film director is paramount in shaping a movie's vision and impact. The AMVCA’s Best Director category is always highly coveted, recognizing those who visualize scripts and guide performances. This year’s nominees showcase a remarkable generational gap, from legendary figures to first-time directors.

Akinola Davies Jr receives a nomination for his debut feature-length film, “My Father’s Shadow,” a compelling story about Nigeria that has garnered numerous international awards and recognition.

Nollywood legend Tunde Kelani is nominated for “Cordelia,” an adaptation of Professor Femi Osofisan’s work. Known for his conscious films and decades of shaping Nigerian cinema's visual language, this nomination reinforces his enduring relevance in the industry.

James Omokwe is recognized for “Osamede,” a film that boldly embraces scale, history, and myth. This nomination signifies his step into a larger artistic space within filmmaking.

Daniel Etim Effiong earns a nomination for his directorial debut, “The Herd,” a film exploring current Nigerian realities. Already a beloved Nollywood actor, this recognition for his first directing project is highly befitting and motivating.

Yemi Filmboy Morafa is nominated for “Gingerrr,” a star-studded film that delves into family dynamics, friendship, and betrayal. His ability to create a vivid and alive narrative in a complex film is truly commendable.

Lastly, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi is nominated for “3 Cold Dishes,” a movie that tells the stories of three women from different African countries. Known for his quiet and character-driven approach to storytelling, this nomination brings wider attention to his distinct cinematic voice.