The Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards 2026 ended Sunday night at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, under the theme 'Honouring Craft, Celebrating Culture'. Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha hosted the ceremony, replacing longtime host IK Osakioduwa. Ahead of the event, head judge Joke Silva said awards are subjective and based on aggregated scores from two judging panels. "May the best man win," she said.
BBNaija star Queen Atang wore a dress made of actual loaves of bread, designed by Toyin Lawani of Tiannah's Place. The gown, inspired by Queen Atang's bakery business Switcakes & Desserts, featured a high neckline, gold spangles and bread lining the lower half.
Hosts Bovi and Nomzamo Mbatha reenacted a viral snub between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham at a film premiere. In the skit, Nomzamo ignored Bovi as he tried to present an award, prompting him to say: "If I ever present an award to you again, call me a bastard," drawing loud laughter.
Funke Akindele's film Behind the Scenes, released in December 2025, became the highest-grossing Nigerian film ever, earning over ₦2 billion. It was nominated in five categories: Best Lead Actress (Scarlet Gomez), Best Supporting Actor (Uzor Arukwe), Best Supporting Actress (Funke Akindele), Best Makeup (Mojisola Imam) and Best Movie. It did not win any.
Actor Kunle Remi had previously mocked the AMVCA, saying winners only get certificates, not engraved trophies. During the show, Bovi responded: "All winners have their individual awards today. Shout out to Kunle Remi. Winners have always had their individual awards. But I understand, Kunle has never won one."
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu attended and declared, "Lagos no dey carry last," to applause. He pledged state support through policies and programs to position the film industry as the best in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
Actor Bucci Franklin became emotional while accepting an award. In December 2025, he announced the death of his mother, Joy Odurukwe. "I created a buzz for her by the special grace of God, but she didn't get to watch it," he said.
Bovi mocked Kunle Remi for never winning an AMVCA, even as the show ignored Funke Akindele's record-breaking film. The same awards celebrating Lagos's dominance failed its biggest commercial success. Bucci Franklin's tribute to his late mother landed harder than any scripted moment. The night honoured culture, but the craft seemed to lose to inside jokes.
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