AMVCA 2026 kicks off with Icons Night celebration
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 kicked off on Thursday with the AMVCA Icons Night.
The event, which served as a prelude to the main awards ceremony, was dedicated to honouring pioneering legends and veterans of Nollywood. It also recognised outstanding talents in the African storytelling industry.
Special recognition was given to four iconic entertainers, who received plaques in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to the African film industry and for promoting African stories on the global stage.
The colourful event, held in Lagos, attracted celebrities and veterans who showcased their unique fashion styles and elegance.
The evening celebration highlighted the foundations of the present-day film industry. Among the stars present were Joke Silva, Idowu Philips, Jide Kosoko, Toyin Abraham, Susan Peters, Nkem Owoh, Eucharia Anunobi, Tunde Kelani and Uche Jombo, among others.
The main AMVCA ceremony is scheduled to hold on May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites. The annual event celebrates excellence in African film and television through a voting system involving viewers and a jury panel.
Top nominees for this year’s edition include Gingerrr, The Herd and To Kill A Monkey across 32 categories. The categories comprise 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted awards and three special recognition awards, including newly introduced indigenous language categories for North and Central Africa.
Nominees for Best Movie include My Father’s Shadow, The Serpent’s Gift, 3 Cold Dishes and Behind the Scenes. The ceremony is expected to be hosted by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha.
