The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) has announced its nominations, with Nollywood films Gingerrr and The Herd leading the pack with 9 nominations each. The main ceremony is scheduled for May 9th. Kemi Adetiba's To Kill A Monkey and Akinola Davies Jr.'s My Father's Shadow got 7 nominations each. The Serpent's Gift and 3 Cold Dishes raked 6 each, and Behind The Scenes had 5 nominations. Veteran actress Joke Silva has been appointed as the new Head Judge, taking over from Femi Odugbemi. The AMVCA has introduced two new categories: Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa.
The full list of nominations includes several notable actors and actresses, such as Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor, and Sola Sobowale. The awards ceremony will feature 32 categories, including 18 jury-voting categories, 11 public-voting categories, and 3 special recognition awards.
The nominees for Best Supporting Actor include Simileoluwa Hassan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Femi Branch. The nominees for Best Supporting Actress include Linda Ejiofor, Olamide Kidbaby, and Aunty Bisola Aiyeola. The nominees for Best Lead Actor include Mike Ezuruonye, William Benson, and Wale Ojo. The nominees for Best Lead Actress include Linda Ejiofor, Bimbo Akintola, and Sola Sobowale.
The nominees for Best Cinematography include Jermaine Edwards, Kabelo Thathe, and Emmanuel Igbekele. The nominees for Best Editing include Kazeem Agboola, Omar Guzman Castro, and Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi. The nominees for Best Sound Design include Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra, and Vaughan Phillips.
The AMVCA's decision to introduce two new categories, Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa, is a welcome move towards greater representation on the continent. However, it is concerning that veteran actress Joke Silva has taken over from Femi Odugbemi as Head Judge, given her lack of experience in judging film awards. This move may undermine the credibility of the awards. The dominance of Nollywood films in the nominations is not surprising, given the industry's growth and popularity in recent years. However, it remains to be seen whether the awards will truly recognize and celebrate the diversity of African cinema.
