12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Opens Entries With Expanded Indigenous Language Categories
Africa Magic, in partnership with MultiChoice and Canal+, has officially opened entries for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), inviting filmmakers, television producers and content creators across Africa to submit their work for consideration. Entries run from January 11 to February 15, 2026, and submissions must be completed online via the official AMVCA portal.
Now widely recognised as Africa’s premier celebration of excellence in film, television and digital storytelling, the AMVCA has grown since its inception into a cultural benchmark that spotlights creativity, innovation and narrative strength from across the continent.
What’s New This Year
One of the most significant enhancements for the 2026 awards is the expansion of the Indigenous Language categories, with two new award classifications introduced:
- Best Indigenous Language – North Africa
- Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa
The additions reflect the organisers’ commitment to broader regional representation and the celebration of Africa’s linguistic diversity, affirming that stories told in native languages are vital threads in the tapestry of African cinema and television.
Scope and Structure of the Awards
The 12th AMVCA will feature a total of 32 award categories, with a mix of jury-decided and audience-voted honours:
- 18 categories decided by an expert panel of judges
- 11 audience-voted categories
- 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards
- 1 Trailblazer Award designed to recognise emerging creative leadership
To be eligible, entries must have been publicly screened, broadcast or exhibited between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Feature-length films must have been shown in cinemas, on linear television, or streaming platforms to qualify.
How to Submit
Filmmakers and content creators can submit through the official AMVCA portal. All entries must include a full preview copy uploaded in the original format in which they were broadcast or screened. Detailed eligibility criteria and submission requirements are available at www.africamagic.tv/amvca.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
The AMVCA is renowned not only for celebrating talent but also for its glamorous red-carpet moments, fashion statements, and cultural impact across the continent. This year’s awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, in May 2026, with more details on hosts and performers expected in the coming months.
Don Julio has been announced as the Lead Sponsor for the 12th edition, underlining the event’s evolution into a premium cultural celebration that champions African craftsmanship and creative excellence.
Why It Matters
Since its launch, the AMVCA has played a key role in spotlighting African cinema and television on the global stage. It celebrates established stars as well as emerging voices, providing a platform that boosts visibility, drives industry standards and fosters cross-border collaboration.
The expansion into North and Central African indigenous language awards signals a renewed push for inclusion and recognition of the continent’s storytelling diversity—a shift that mirrors the evolving dynamics of African entertainment and the growing demand for representation across all regions.
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, a rising creator, or a fan of African storytelling, this year’s AMVCA promises to be another landmark chapter in the continent’s rich cultural narrative.
