The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nominations have officially been unveiled, marking a significant moment for African cinema. At the helm of this year’s jury is veteran actress Joke Silva, appointed as Head Judge, a move that underscores the awards' focus on craftsmanship and storytelling excellence. Her leadership, following Femi Odugbemi, brings decades of industry experience, ensuring a thorough evaluation of authentic African narratives that resonate globally.

This edition of the AMVCAs is particularly notable for its expansion beyond traditional boundaries. From Lagos to Addis Ababa, and Nairobi to previously untapped creative territories in North and Central Africa, the nominees reflect a continent whose storytellers are making their presence felt on their own terms. The awards ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, promises to be African cinema’s most anticipated night.

The 12th AMVCA features a comprehensive total of 32 award categories. Of these, 18 categories are decided by the esteemed jury, while 11 are open to public voting, giving audiences a significant voice in determining the winners. Key evolutions in this edition include the introduction of two new categories: Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa, further amplifying the diversity of African storytelling. Additionally, two highly anticipated special honours, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award, remain on the table to recognize outstanding contributions to the industry.

Among the nominated projects, Daniel Etim Effiong’s film, “The Herd,” leads the pack with an impressive 9 nominations. This high-concept project has secured nods in major categories, including Best Supporting Actress for Linda Ejiofor and Amal Umar, Best Lead Actress for Genoveva Umeh, and Best Director for Daniel Etim Effiong himself. “The Herd” also garnered recognition in technical categories such as Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound/Sound Design, Best Writing (Movie), and Best Movie. Following closely are “My Father’s Shadow” with 8 nominations and “Gingerrr” with 7 nominations.

Individually, Lateef Adedimeji stands out as the most-nominated talent this year, earning 3 nominations across different genres: Best Supporting Actor for “Gingerrr” and “Red Circle,” and Best Lead Actor for “Lisabi 2.” Several other stars and technicians have received multiple nods, showcasing their versatility and dominance. These include Linda Ejiofor (Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress), Sola Sobowale (Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress), Uzor Arukwe (Best Supporting Actor and Best Lead Actor), and Femi Branch (Best Supporting Actor and Best Lead Actor). Adeola Bamgboye secured 3 nominations in the Best Makeup category, Tolu Obanro received multiple nominations for Sound and Score, and Emmanuel Igbekele earned 3 nominations for Cinematography.

Public voting is now open for the 11 designated categories. To cast votes, viewers can visit the official Africa Magic website at www.africamagic.tv/amvca, register or sign in, and then select their preferred category and nominee. Each user is permitted up to 100 votes per platform (Web and Mobile site), with voting being free of charge, aside from standard data costs. This year's nominations vividly reflect the high-octane year Nollywood and broader African cinema has experienced, setting the stage for a truly competitive and celebratory event.