Lateef Adedimeji, Tina Mba, 3 Cold Dishes shine at AMAA 2025

By Tosin Brown –

Lateef Adedimeji’s Lisabi: The Uprising, Tina Mba, and Burna Boy’s co-produced 3 Cold Dishes were among the Nigerians and films that shone brightly at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the board of the Africa Film Academy (AFA), organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), held the 21st edition of the continental awards ceremony amidst pomp and celebration at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The five-hour-long ceremony kicked off with a performance by the Ebony Band and ended with great joy and excitement for African film practitioners who were winners and nominees alike.

The event also featured a short stage drama with Pete Edochie playing the role of God and Tony Umez portraying a man making inquiries.

AMAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, delivered the opening speech, after which six members of the jury—elegantly dressed—were called to the stage to present the list of 26 winners.

In his speech, Anyiam-Osigwe praised Nigerian and African film practitioners, saying their accomplishments have propelled African cinema to international recognition.

“We salute Nollywood, its stars, and all the creatives who have contributed to its phenomenal success. Your accomplishments have propelled African cinema to international recognition, and AMAA honours your industry, your talent, and your contributions.

But as remarkable as Nigeria’s film industry is, we are reminded of a popular African adage that says a tree does not make a forest. Nigeria is a vital and vibrant member of our continent, but her finest contribution comes when she complements the whole—when African nations rise together through collaboration, not competition,” Anyiam-Osigwe said.

Not long after the CEO’s speech and the announcement of the night’s award winners, the Rizyn Band took over the stage to entertain the 300 guests who attended the ceremony.

A total of 26 awards were presented to African film practitioners, including actors, cinematographers, producers, costume designers, lighting operators, and others.

Winners – AMAA 2025

Best Film: The Heart Is a Muscle – South Africa Best Film in an African Language: Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions – Burkina Faso Eferé Ozako Award for Best Short Film: The Missing Piece – Kenya Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation: Dawn – Cameroon Best Documentary: The Journey East – DRC Best Diaspora Short: Cartes – USA Michael Anyiam-Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad: Ancestral Visions of the Future – Lesotho/France/Germany Achievement in Costume Design: Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions Achievement in Sound: Algiers Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language: Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions – Burkina Faso Best Diaspora Short: Superman Doesn’t Steal – USA Best Diaspora Documentary: Rediscovering Fenon – USA/Algeria/Martinique Best Diaspora Narrative Feature: Romeo N Juliet 4EVA – Jamaica Award for Achievement in Production Design: Cold Dishes Award for Achievement in Costume Design: Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions Award for Achievement in Make-up: Lisabi: The Uprising Award for Achievement in Soundtrack: Old Righteous Blues Award for Achievement in Visual Effects: For Land, For Love, For Power Award for Achievement in Sound: Algiers Award for Achievement in Cinematography: The Heart Is a Muscle Award for Achievement in Editing: The Heart Is a Muscle Award for Achievement in Screenplay: Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions – Burkina Faso NFVCB Award for Best Nigerian Film: 3 Cold Dishes Award for Best Young/Promising Actor: Ruby Akubueze – 3 Cold Dishes Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Clemento Ashietey – Last Stop Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Tina Mba – The Serpent Gift Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role: Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role: Florence Mariserena – Small Gods Award for Best Debut Feature Film by a Director: The Heart Is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay Award for Best Director: Dany Kouyaté – Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions – Burkina Faso