The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has long been a prestigious platform that honours the brightest talents in African film, television, and digital storytelling. Organised by Africa Magic and MultiChoice, the awards celebrate excellence in storytelling, acting, directing, and production, spotlighting the industry’s best and pushing African cinema to global recognition.
As anticipation builds for the 11th edition, the organisers have officially announced the nominees for the 2025 AMVCA. This year’s lineup reflects the vibrancy and diversity of African cinema, with films and series spanning multiple genres and languages. Works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024, have been recognised, showcasing the best of the past year’s cinematic achievements.
Top Contenders for AMVCA 2025
Several films have emerged as frontrunners, earning multiple nominations across key categories. Among them are:
- Lisabi: The Uprising
- Skeleton Coast
- House of Ga’a
- Freedom Way
- Seven Doors
These films have been nominated for major awards, including Best Movie and Best Director, underscoring their impact on the African film industry.
Spotlight on Acting Excellence
The acting categories are packed with formidable contenders:
Best Lead Actor:
- Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo)
- Stan Nze (Suspicion)
- Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors)
- Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising)
- Bimbo Manuel (Princess on a Hill)
- Bucci Franklin (The Weekend)
- Femi Branch (House of Ga’a)
- Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast)
Best Lead Actress:
- Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors)
- Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
- Uche Montana (Thinline)
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury)
- Hilda Dokudo (The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3)
- Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo)
- Gbugbemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride)
The Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories are just as competitive, with industry veterans and rising stars securing nominations.
Best Supporting Actress
- Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)
- Tina Mba (Suspicion)
- Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)
- Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)
- Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride)
- Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)
- Darasimi Nadi (Aburo)
Best Supporting Actor
- Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life)
- Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)
- Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)
- Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)
- RMD (Christmas in Lagos)
- Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)
- Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)
Best Cinematography
- Agemo
- Inkabi
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Skeleton Coast
- Soft Love
- The Legend of The Vagabond Queen Of Lagos
- Yen Ara Asaase Ni
Best Editing
- Inkabi (Tongai Furusa)
- Christmas in Lagos (Martini Akande)
- Skeleton Coast (Jordan Koen)
- Soft Love (Holmes Awa, Paballo Modingoane)
- Lisabi: The Uprising (Anthill Studios)
- Princess on a Hill (Laughter Ephraim, Peter Ugbede)
Best Costume Design
- Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)
- Christmas in Lagos
- House of Gaa
- Lisabi
Best Makeup
- Aníkúlápó (The Rise of the Scepter)
- Inside Life
- Farmer’s Bride
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Seven Doors
- Suspicion
Best Documentary
- Mai DùnDún
- I Will Remember You
- On Your Own
- Walvis Tale
Best Series Scripted
- Cheta M
- Inside Life
- Princess on a Hill
- Roses & Ivy
- Seven Doors
Best Series Unscripted
- Ebuka Turns Up Africa
- Skillers: The Building Reality Show
- Style Magnate
- Take Me Home
- Wa Milele
Best Writing Movie
- A Ghetto Story
- Christmas in Lagos
- Freedom Way
- House of Gaa
- Skeleton Coast
- The Weekend
Best Writing TV Series
- Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)
- Cheta M
- Princess on a Hill
- Roses & Ivy
- Seven Doors
- Untying Kanti
Best Art Direction
- Aníkúlápó (Rise of the Spectre)
- Christmas in Lagos
- Farmer’s Bride
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Seven Doors
- The Man Died
Best Sound Design
- Beast of Two Worlds
- Freedom Way
- Inkabi
- Lisabi (The Uprising)
- Seven Doors
- Suspicion
Best Music/Score
- Freedom Way
- Inkabi
- Seven Doors
- Skeleton Coast
- Soft Love
Best Short Film
- Brukaci
- Sukari
- The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi
- What Are You Truly Afraid Of?
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
- Husband Material
- Nigerian Idol (Season 9)
- Overall Best
- Pastor Wants a Wife
Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)
- Seven Doors
- Lisabi: The Uprising
- Kaka
- Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre
- Mai Martaba
Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)
- The Caller
- Empty Grave
- Makosa ni Yangu
- Sabotage
- Wa Milele (Forever?)
Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)
- Walvis Tale
- The Vow
- Mwizukanji
- Man of Gold
- Lukas
Best Scripted M-Net Original
- Uriri
- All Mine
- My Fairytale Wedding
- Italo
- The Caller
- Kam U Stay
Best MultiChoice Talent Factory
- Gone
- Everything Light Touches
- The Immersive Alarm
- Deadbeat
- Nwananga
- Rivals in Time
Femi Adebayo’s ‘Seven Doors’ Scores 11 Nominations
Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has plenty to celebrate as his movie, Seven Doors, clinched an impressive 11 nominations. The historical drama, starring Chioma Akpotha and Kolawole Ajeyemi, has been recognised across multiple categories, including:
- Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
- Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo
- Best Lead Actress: Chioma Akpotha
- Best Supporting Actor: Aliu Gafar
- Best Director: Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo
- Best Scripted Series
- Best Writing (TV Series)
- Best Sound/Sound Design
- Best Makeup
- Best Art Direction
- Best Music Score
Expressing his gratitude, Femi Adebayo took to social media, thanking his cast, crew, and supporters. “What an incredible milestone! Seven Doors has knocked down 11 nominations at the AMVCA. Now, it’s time to bring home the win!” he wrote, urging fans to vote for the film in the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) category.
The Power of Digital Storytelling
Beyond traditional film and TV categories, the AMVCA continues to embrace digital content creation. This year, nominees for Best Digital Content Creator include:
- Iyo Prosper Adokiye
- Maryam Apakagi-Greene
- Elozonam Ogbolu,
- Hoviare Freedom,
- Chiamaka Uzokwe
- Jide Pounds Ibitoye
- Ariyiikedimples & Brain Jotter
With social media and streaming platforms revolutionising how audiences consume entertainment, the inclusion of digital creators highlights the AMVCA’s commitment to evolving with the industry.
The Road to AMVCA 2025
With such a dynamic list of nominees, all eyes are now on the awards ceremony, where winners will be determined by public votes and a panel of industry professionals. Fans can support their favourite nominees by casting votes in selected categories.
A distinguished panel of judges, led by veteran filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, will determine the winners of the 18 non-voting categories, while fans have the power to decide the nine audience-voted categories. To vote please check this link. Two special recognition awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award will also honour industry pioneers.
As the countdown to the AMVCA 2025 continues, one thing is certain: African cinema is thriving, and the AMVCA remains at the heart of celebrating its excellence.
