The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) has announced its nominees, with a mix of established and emerging talents vying for top honours. The nominations, unveiled on Sunday during a live broadcast on Africa Magic channels, saw 'Gingerrr' and 'The Herd' emerging as frontrunners with nine nominations each.

These two Nigerian films, released in late 2025, achieved significant box-office success and garnered major award recognition. 'Gingerrr,' a fast-paced Lagos drama about hustlers, directed by Yemi Morafa, earned nearly ₦400 million shortly after release. 'The Herd,' a crime thriller about insecurity and kidnapping, directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong, explores themes of crime and security.

In the acting categories, a mix of veterans and emerging talents secured nominations. Sola Sobowale received nominations in both lead and supporting categories, alongside actors such as Uzor Arukwe and Lateef Adedimeji, who also earned multiple nods. Genoveva Umeh clinched her first-ever Best Lead Actress nomination, positioning her as one of the talents to watch ahead of the ceremony.

The awards feature 32 categories, with 18 decided by a jury and 11 open to public voting. The 12th edition of the AMVCA is scheduled for Saturday, 9 May 2026, with expectations high for a night celebrating excellence across Africa's film and television industry.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The dominance of 'Gingerrr' and 'The Herd' in the nominees list highlights the growing influence of Nigerian films in the African film industry. With nearly ₦400 million earned by 'Gingerrr' shortly after release, it's clear that these films are not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. The success of these films is a testament to the talent and creativity of Nigerian filmmakers, and it's essential that the industry continues to support and promote such works. As the 12th edition of the AMVCA approaches, it will be interesting to see which films and talents take home the top honours.