Lilian Afegbai, widely known as Lily Afe, has responded to her exclusion from the Best Supporting Actress category at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. The actress, who played Idia in Kemi Adetiba's To Kill a Monkey, took to X to voice her disappointment after the nominees were announced by Chimezie Imo. "I always choose to believe everything happens for a reason. I don't need a nomination for validation," she wrote. She pointed out that no character from the film trended as much as Idia, adding, "Her acting was." Her performance, delivered largely in pidgin English, earned widespread praise and became a standout moment in the Netflix original.
The Best Supporting Actress category includes Linda Ejiofor for The Herd, Bisola Aiyeola in Gingerrr, Sola Sobowale in The Covenant, and Funke Akindele in Behind The Scenes. The awards ceremony is set for May 9 and covers 32 categories across jury, audience, and special recognition selections.
Lily Afe's blunt post reveals how much award recognition still hinges on visibility rather than performance quality. Her portrayal of Idia resonated widely, yet the snub suggests that even viral impact doesn't guarantee a nomination. For actors relying on standout roles for career momentum, AMVCA's choices may signal unpredictability over merit. This could influence how performers assess future projects tied to awards expectations.
