The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is set to host one of its most competitive 'Best Movie' races in history, celebrating the pinnacle of African cinema. This prestigious category, which serves as a definitive verdict on storytelling, craft, performance, and cultural resonance, highlights the very best productions of the year. All six nominated films notably enjoyed cinema runs, underscoring the burgeoning strength of the theatrical market in Nigerian and African filmmaking. These nominees showcase a remarkable diversity in genres, ambitions, and narratives, ranging from acclaimed international festival selections to record-breaking box office hits and socially poignant thrillers.

The grand ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. It will be hosted by the dynamic duo of Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, with veteran actress Joke Silva presiding as the Head Judge. Let's delve deeper into each of the exceptional films vying for the coveted 'Best Movie' award.

The Serpent’s Gift: This nominee, deeply rooted in Igbo culture, traditions, and mysticism, features a compelling narrative. Following the sudden death of a revered businessman in Eastern Nigeria, his young widow, Ijeoma, finds herself embroiled in a fierce battle for survival against his family, who seek to strip her of her inheritance. As the inheritance dispute escalates, spiritual secrets long buried within the family begin to resurface. The film, directed by Kayode Kasum, was written by Stephen Okonkwo and Ufuoma Metitiri, and produced by Winifred Nkiru Mena–Ajakpovi. It stars Linda Ejiofor, Stan Nze, Tina Mba, Beverly Osu, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Ric Hassani. ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ not only secured nominations for Best African Film and Best African Actor at the 2025 Septimius Awards in Amsterdam but also garnered six AMVCA nominations, including Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Lead Actress. Its official poster prominently displays lead cast members in traditional Igbo attire, complete with red caps and coral beads, visually representing its themes of Eastern Nigerian heritage, family inheritance battles, and mysticism.

The Herd: Marking Daniel Etim Effiong’s feature directorial debut, ‘The Herd’ is a gripping kidnapping thriller that also serves as a broader commentary on Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, classism, and tribalism. The story commences when a post-wedding convoy is ambushed by armed bandits disguised as cattle herdsmen, leading to guests being taken captive. Adamma, portrayed by Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, the wife of one of the captives, is thrust into a desperate fight to raise a ₦50 million ransom. Her struggles are compounded by an uncooperative bank, hidden financial secrets, and in-laws who condition their help on her agreement to a divorce. Written by Lani Aisida, the film boasts a stellar cast including Daniel Etim Effiong, Linda Ejiofor, Kunle Remi, Genoveva Umeh, Mercy Aigbe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Tina Mba, Lateef Adedimeji, Adam Garba, Amal Umar, and Blessing Jessica Obasi. 'The Herd' is tied with 'Gingerrr' for the highest number of nominations at AMVCA 12, with nine nods, making Effiong’s potential win a remarkable debut-to-winner story in the ceremony’s history.

Behind the Scenes: Directed and produced by Funke Akindele and written by Uche Mordi, ‘Behind the Scenes’ chronicles the life of Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a highly successful real estate entrepreneur. Her profound generosity towards her family and friends gradually consumes her, leaving her with nothing for herself. Starring Funke Akindele, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima–Okojie, and Tobi Bakare, alongside Scarlet Gomez as Ronky-Fella, the film made history by becoming the first Nollywood production to surpass ₦2 billion at the West African box office within just 19 days of its 2025 release. This achievement cemented Funke Akindele's legacy as the only filmmaker to break the Nollywood box office record for three consecutive years. The film earned five AMVCA nominations, including Best Movie, Best Director, and acting nominations for both Akindele and Gomez.

My Father’s Shadow: Akinola Davies Jr.’s feature directorial debut, 'My Father’s Shadow,' is a poignant drama set on June 12, 1993, Nigeria’s election day. Two young brothers spend the day with their largely absent father as he journeys from their village into Lagos to collect six months of unpaid wages. During their navigation through a city on the brink of political unrest, the boys uncover unexpected truths about their father. Written by Akinola and his brother Wale Davies, and produced by Rachel Dargavel and Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the film was shot entirely on 16mm. It achieved international acclaim as the first Nigerian film to be in the Official Selection at Cannes, where it won the Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or. Additionally, it secured a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, received 12 nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, and earned wins at the Gotham Awards for both its director and lead actor. The BBC recognized it as one of the best films of 2026.

3 Cold Dishes: This compelling and socially urgent pan-African production, directed by Oluseyi Asurf Amuwa and Apolline Traoré, tackles the grim reality of human trafficking. The plot begins in 2002, when three teenage girls from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin are sold into sex trafficking. Nearly two decades later, they reunite to execute a meticulously planned cross-border mission of revenge against every man who destroyed their early lives. Written by Tomi Adesina and produced by Bose Ogulu, Osas Ighodaro, among others, with Burna Boy serving as executive producer, the film features a cast including Osas Ighodaro, Fat Touré, Maud Guérard, Wale Ojo, Bambadjan Bamba, and Femi Jacobs. Spoken in English, French, and Yoruba, and shot across four countries, '3 Cold Dishes' stands out as the most pan-African entry in this year’s race, bringing a critical subject matter to the forefront.

Gingerrr: Directed by Yemi Morafa and written by Xavier Ighorodje, ‘Gingerrr’ is a female-driven heist comedy. The story follows Omotola “Lala” who, after the death of her estranged father, relocates to Lagos and discovers he has left behind a box of gold fortified with traditional charms that only she can access. To claim the treasure before dangerous men intervene, she enlists three childhood friends to plan a heist. However, as the plan unfolds, hidden agendas begin to fracture their alliance. The film stars Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi “KieKie” Adeaga–Ilori, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Wumi Toriola, who also serve as executive producers and lead actresses. The ensemble cast further includes Shaffy Bello, Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Faithia Williams, and Mr Macaroni. 'Gingerrr' achieved significant commercial success, grossing over ₦510 million at the Nigerian box office, and, like 'The Herd', leads AMVCA 12 with an impressive nine nominations.