As the 12th AMVCA ceremony approaches on May 9, 2026, the pre-awards season is in full swing, offering viewers an opportune moment to catch up on the highly nominated films they might have missed. The good news for cinephiles is that five of these acclaimed films are readily accessible on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Kava TV, eliminating the need for a cinema ticket. Viewers can prepare their popcorn, clear their schedules, and begin exploring these diverse cinematic offerings this weekend.

One of the standout nominees is "The Herd," available on Netflix, which has garnered an impressive 9 nominations, including Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Lead Actress. Marking Daniel Etim Effiong's feature directorial debut and produced by ToriTori Films and FilmOne Studios, the film begins with the joyous wedding day of Derin and Fola. However, this happiness is swiftly shattered when the newlyweds and their best man, Gosi, are ambushed and kidnapped by gunmen disguised as cattle herdsmen. What unfolds is a tense, emotionally grounded thriller delving into themes of survival, love, and the profound fear of being trapped in an unforeseen predicament. Written by Lani Aisida, the film features a talented ensemble cast including Daniel Etim Effiong, Genoveva Umeh, Linda Ejiofor, Kunle Remi, Mercy Aigbe, Lateef Adedimeji, Tina Mba, Deyemi Okanlawon, Norbert Young, and Amal Umar. "The Herd" made its Netflix debut in November 2025 following a successful theatrical release.

Also streaming on Netflix is "To Kill A Monkey," an eight-episode series that has secured 8 nominations, notably for Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, and Best Series. This gripping creation is a testament to Kemi Adetiba's uncompromising approach to filmmaking, being created, written, directed, and produced by Adetiba herself alongside her brother Remi Adetiba under the Kemi Adetiba Visuals banner. The series follows Efemini, a desperate programmer who, after reconnecting with an old friend, finds himself entangled in a perilous world of cybercrime, fraud, and moral compromise. Its strength lies in its refusal to allow viewers to fully condemn its protagonist, fostering understanding even when his actions cannot be excused. The series stars William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, Stella Damasus, Michael Ejoor, Chidi Mokeme, Teniola Aladese, and Lilian Afegbai.

Nollywood's highest-grossing film of 2025, "Behind The Scenes," is another must-watch now available on Netflix, earning 5 nominations including Best Movie, Best Lead Actress, and Best Supporting Actress. Directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, and produced by Funke Akindele and Wendy Uwadiae Imasuen, this film centers on Aderonke "Ronky-Fella" Faniran, a successful real estate entrepreneur. Her boundless generosity towards her family and friends eventually takes a significant toll, forcing her to confront betrayal and re-evaluate her perceptions of those closest to her. The film features Scarlet Gomez, Funke Akindele, Destiny Etiko, Ibrahim Chatta, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, and Iyabo Ojo. A notable image from the film's promotion shows Funke Akindele and Iyabo Ojo laughing in coordinated blue and gold traditional lace outfits with elaborate yellow geles.

Moving to Kava TV, viewers can find "Her Excellency," which received 2 nominations, including Best Lead Actress for Sola Sobowale. For those seeking a film with political intensity and an undeniable lead performance, this is an ideal choice. Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, and co-produced by Hawks Studios, Ubee Media, and FilmOne Studios, the film unravels the story of the First Lady of the fictional Salim State. Her obsessive need for control begins to crumble when a murder investigation exposes the deadly secrets she has meticulously kept buried for years. The cast includes Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Ademoye, Yemi Solade, Kie Kie, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Williams, Muyiwa Ademola, and Aisha Lawal. Sola Sobowale's performance is highlighted as being at the peak of her range, and the film also serves as a tribute to the legendary Adebayo Salami's six-decade career in Nollywood.

Finally, also on Kava TV, is "Red Circle," which garnered 2 nominations, including Best Lead Actor for Femi Branch. This film is remarkable for making 26-year-old Nora Awolowo the youngest Nigerian filmmaker to achieve over ₦100 million at the box office, a financial success it undeniably earned. Produced by Awolowo’s Rixel Studios, directed by Akay Mason, and written by Abdul Tijani–Ahmed, the narrative follows investigative journalist Fikayo Holloway. She embarks on a dangerous quest to expose a powerful Lagos crime syndicate, only to find herself drawn into a perilous world that threatens everything she holds dear. The cast features Folu Storms, Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch, Omowunmi Dada, and Mr Macaroni. Described as a sharp and well-constructed thriller, "Red Circle" signifies the emergence of a significant new producing talent in Nollywood.