By late afternoon on Saturday, the entrance of Eko Hotel and Suites gradually filled with familiar faces from across the entertainment industry.
The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was about to begin, and there was a quiet energy in the air — not just of excitement, but of pride.
Dressed in statement outfits that ranged from bold to regal, actors, filmmakers and content creators arrived in waves, exchanging greetings, posing for cameras, and easing into what would become a long night of celebration and recognition.
Inside, the venue was buzzing. From red carpet interviews to quick catch-ups among colleagues, the atmosphere was a blend of glamour and industry respect. As the show kicked off, attention shifted to the stage, where top awards and surprise moments kept the crowd fully engaged.
One of the night’s most talked-about wins went to Femi Adebayo, who was named Best Lead Actor for his performance in Seven Doors.
His reaction was both humble and heartfelt. “I never saw this coming,” he said. “I’ve been putting in the work and paying attention to details. This award tells me that people are watching, and they appreciate it.” The film went on to claim two more trophies — Best Lead Actress for Chioma Chukwuka (accepted on her behalf by Adebayo) and Best Score/Music — earning it quiet respect as a standout project of the year.
Mercy Aigbe also had a strong moment, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Farmer’s Bride. Dressed in a sleek gown and visibly moved, she said, “This is my second win since 2014, and it feels so good. I wasn’t expecting it because all the nominees are amazing. But I’m so happy my hard work and sleepless nights paid off.”
She added that the win would shape how she approaches her future projects, calling the recognition a motivator to keep pushing boundaries.
In the Best Indigenous Language (West Africa) category, Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji emerged winners.
Their acceptance speech reflected both excitement and pride. “We keep getting better every year,” Lateef said. “We keep raising the bar. You can see how much the world is celebrating with us.” Their win underscored the growing strength and appreciation for indigenous-language cinema.
The awards also honoured veterans. Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh were both recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Their decades of contribution to the Nigerian film industry were celebrated with emotional tribute reels and warm applause from across the hall. It was a reminder of the foundations upon which today’s industry stands.
The Trailblazer Award went to director Kayode Kasum, a filmmaker whose steady rise and experimental style have made him one of the more talked-about names in recent years. His recognition was met with approval from both young and established filmmakers in attendance.
On the technical side, several notable wins reflected the diversity of talent behind the camera. Inside Life, directed by Clarence Peters, was awarded Best Scripted Series. Lisabi: The Uprising stood out for its Art Direction and Makeup, while The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos was recognised for Best Cinematography.
In the digital space, We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition earned Best Digital Content Creator, while the documentary Dundun won Best Documentary. Other winners included Suspicion for Best Sound Design, Christmas in Lagos for Best Costume Design, and Freedom Way, which won both Best Writing (Movie) and Best Movie overall — capping off the night with one of the highest honours.
As the formal ceremony ended, many guests remained in the venue, exchanging congratulations, posing for more photos, and reflecting on the evening’s surprises. Conversations spilled into the hotel lobby, and some groups headed to private after-parties to continue the celebration.
The AMVCA11 delivered an evening that balanced glamour with recognition, excitement with legacy, and showcased not just winners, but a growing, maturing industry.
