Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world, after Bollywood in India, and it produces an average of 2,500 movies per year, making it a significant contributor to the Nigerian economy. Nollywood films are known for their unique storytelling and cultural themes that resonate with audiences across Africa and beyond.
The African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is an annual event that celebrates the best of African cinema, particularly Nollywood. The event was established in 2013, and it recognizes the achievements of actors, actresses, directors, and other professionals in the African film industry.
The 2023 edition of the AMVCA promises to be exciting, as the list of nominees features some of the industry’s most talented actors and filmmakers. Bisola Aiyeola, a popular actress and singer, and Adjetey Anang, a Ghanaian actor and filmmaker, co-hosted the nomination announcement, which was broadcast on African Magic channels.
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Anikulapo, a drama film directed by Kunle Afolayan, received the highest number of nominations – 16 – for the 2023 AMVCA. The film explores the life and times of the legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Brotherhood, a film directed by Jade Osiberu, and Shanty Town, a film by Kayode Kasum, received 11 nominations each.
In the Best Overall Movie category, seven films will compete for the top prize. They include King of Thieves (Agesinkole) by Femi Adebayo, Battle on Buka Street by Funke Akindele, Brotherhood by Jade Osiberu, Anikulapo by Kunle Afolayan, Ile Owo by Kayode Kasum, Tembele by Mugisha Morris, and Four Four Forty-Four by Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi.
The AMVCA has become an important platform for showcasing the best of African cinema and promoting African culture to a global audience. The winners of the various categories will be announced at the main event, which is scheduled to take place later in the year.
Below is the full list of nominees
Best Actor in A Comedy
Adokiye Horsfall (Romeo WJ) Inside Life
Charles Etubiebi -Just Friends
Charles Inojie- City Hustler
Chinedu Ikedieze- Aki and PawPaw
Kunle Idowu- Unintentional
Nedu Ani (Nedu Wazobia)- Inside Life
Nkem Owoh- Battle On Buka Street
Nosa Afolabi- The Razz Guy
Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi)- Inside Life
Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi)- Survivors
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Blossom Chukwujekwu- The Trade
Chidi Mokeme- Shanty Town
Chimezie Imo- Choke
Daniel Etim-Effiong- Kofa
Femi Adebayo- King of Thieves (Agesinkole)
NKakalukanyi Patriq- Tembele
O.C. Ukeje- Black Mail
Richard Mofe Damijo- Four Four Forty Four
Tobi Bakre- Brotherhood
Tope Tedela- All The Colours Of The World Are Between Black and White
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Albert Oluwatoyin-Visa On Arrival
Bimbo Ademoye- Selina
Funke Akindele- Battle On Buka Street
Grace Wacuka- Married to Work
Mercy Johnson- Battle On Buka Street
Mercy Johnson Onogie- Passport
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Bimbo Ademoye- Anikulapo
Enado Odigie- Flawsome
Immaculata Oko Kasum- Ile Owo
Ini Dima-Okojie- Flawsome
Ini Edo- Shanty Town
Nimo Loveline- The Planters Plantation
Nse Ikpe-Etim- Shanty Town
Osas Ighodaro- Man of God
Queen Nwokoye- Strained
Scarlet Gomez- Wura
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Abdisattar Ahmed- Gacal
Bucci Franklin- The Razz Guy
James Webbo- County 49
Jeff Roberts Walusimbi- Bedroom Chains
O.C. Ukeje- Brotherhood
Taiwo Hassan- Anikulapo
Yinka Quadri- Anikulapo
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Dorcas Shola Fapson- Man of God
Efe Irele- Four Four Forty Four
Gina Castel- Kofa
Ivie Okujaye- On Your Own
Sola Sobowale- Anikulapo
Teniola Aladese- Love in a Pandemic
Toni Tones- Brotherhood
BEST SHORT FILM
Adeoye Adetunji- Pa Aromire
Gbenga Salu- Convictus
Nkem Nwaturuocha- The Song Maiden
Teniola Zara King- Teju’s Tale
Usama Mukwaya, Loukman Ali- Sixteen Rounds
Uzoamaka Aniunoh- Love Language
Victor Onwudiwe, Goodnews Erico Isika- Away
BEST ONLINE SOCIAL CONTENT CREATOR
Abiola- VIP Bathroom
Adeaga Bukunmi- Fake Alert with Mercy Johnson
Bimbo Ademoye- Iya Barakat Teropi Secxxion
Edem Victor- The Activist
Elozonam , Kie Kie- Back From The Future
Isbae U- My Sweet Mother In-law
Kenzy Udosen- Quick Pronunciations
Oluwadolarz and Abayomi Alvin- Soldiers at War (Compilation)
Steve Chuks- Husband’s Side Chick
Tee Kuro- Nollywood Epic Love Story Parody (The Finale
BEST ORIGINAL TELENOVELA
Covenant
Dede
Huba
Itura
Mahinga
Maida
Mpali
Prestige
Salem
BEST UNSCRIPTED ORIGINAL
Come Play Naija
Judging Matters
Kan-See-Me
King Bugar
Off Air with Gbemi & Tools
Rock that Aisle Again
Sakofa
BEST ORIGINAL COMEDY SERIES
Co-Habits
Flatmates
Mussulando
My Siblings and I
Njoro Wa Uba
Popi
RSM
The Johnsons
The Return of Original Comedy
Uncle Limbani
BEST ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES
A Infiltrada
Accra Medics
Dirty Laundry
Junior Drama Club
Njila
Pazia
Pete
Ricordi
The Rishantes
To Have and To Hold
Unmarried
BEST ART DIRECTOR
Olalekan Isiaka- Shanty Town
Olatunji Afolayan- Battle On Buka Street
Olugbenga Ogunshina and Joy Kadiri- Brotherhood
Pat Nebo & Temple Chima Adighije- Crime & Justice
Toka Mcbaror- Almajiri
Uche Nwaohiri & Tunde Lawal- Diiche
Wale Adeleke- King Of Thieves (Agesinkole)
BEST COSTUME DESIGNER
Adeola Art-Alade- The Real Housewives of Lagos Reunion Episode
Bolanle Austen-Peters, Clement Effanga, Juliana Dede- Man of God
Bunmi Fashina , Tiannah Empire & Secrets of April- Shanty Town
Ezugworie Franca- Brotherhood
Kingsley Okoye Rex- Nnewi The Land of Gold
Millicent Jack- Four Four Forty Four
Toyin Ogundeji- Anikulapo