The 12th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) took place on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, celebrating excellence in African film and television. My Father's Shadow emerged as Overall Best Movie, also winning Best Writing – Movie for Wale Davies and Best Sound/Sound Design for Pius Fatoke and CJ Mirra. The film's director, Akinola Davies Jr, was named Best Director.
Linda Ejiofor won Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Herd and Best Costume Design for Colours of Fire, where she starred. Valerie Okeke received the costume award on her behalf. Colours of Fire also won Best Art Direction, credited to Ajamolaya Bunmi.
Uzor Arukwe was named Best Lead Actor for an unspecified performance. Best Cinematography went to Kabelo Thathe for To Kill A Monkey. The film also received a nomination in the Best Makeup category, where Warlord, by Hakeem Onilogbo, took the prize.
MTV Shuga Mashariki won Best Writing – TV Series, credited to Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, and Makgano Mamabolo. Inimba won Best Scripted M-Net Original, with creators Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele, and Yolanda Ndhlovu also taking home the Best Series (Scripted) award.
Out N' About (Harar), led by Yibrah Bruk, won Best Unscripted Series and Best Series (Unscripted). Nigerian Idol (Season 10), produced by Sulaiman Kassim and Anneke De Ridder, won Best Unscripted Series. The Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award went to Lisabi (A Legend is Born), starring Lateef Adedimeji, with direction credited to him as winner.
Best Digital Content Creator was awarded to Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom for Leave To Live. The Real Housewives of Lagos (Season 3), by Deola Art Alade and Darey Art Alade, was nominated in multiple categories including Costume Design and Unscripted Series.
Linda Ejiofor wins two major awards despite not attending, while her film Colours of Fire takes home prizes in art and costume design. The Herd earns her a supporting actress trophy, a role that does not require a costume award, yet she wins in that category for a different project. This split recognition suggests voters rewarded her body of work rather than individual performances. Nigerian viewers may question whether awards reflect specific excellence or broader popularity.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
