AMVCA 2026: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Dominates as Uzor Arukwe, Linda Ejiofor Shine Big
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Lagos, with My Father’s Shadow emerging as the biggest winner of the night.
The award ceremony, hosted by comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African media personality Nomzamo Mbatha at Eko Hotel and Suites, celebrated excellence across African film and television.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ Leads the Night
The movie dominated several major categories, including Best Movie and Best Director, with Akinola Davies Jr. taking home the directing award.
The film also secured wins for Best Writing (Movie), Best Sound Design, and Best Music Score, cementing its place as the standout production of the night.
Uzor Arukwe, Linda Ejiofor Win Big
Actor Uzor Arukwe won the Best Lead Actor award for his performance in Colours of Fire.
Linda Ejiofor had one of the strongest nights at the awards after clinching both Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd.
Bucci Franklin also secured the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in To Kill A Monkey.
Bucci Franklin’s emotional speech as he received his Best Supporting Actor at the #AMVCApic.twitter.com/WoIexLykxR
— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) May 9, 2026
Technical Categories Deliver Surprises
Several films also dominated the technical categories during the ceremony.
To Kill A Monkey won Best Editing through Daniel Anyiam, while Colours of Fire secured Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
Hakeem Onilogbo, popularly known as Hakeem Effect, won the Best Makeup category for Warlord.
Special Recognition Awards Presented
The organisers also honoured notable figures in the entertainment industry with special recognition awards.
Actress Uche Montana received the Trailblazer Award, while veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honoured with the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to African cinema.
Other Major Winners
In other categories, Leave To Live by Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom won Best Digital Content Creator.
Nigerian Idol Season 10 emerged as Best Unscripted Series, while Inimba won Best Scripted Series.
For indigenous language films, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born won in the West African category alongside other regional winners from East, South, North, and Central Africa.
AMVCA Continues to Shape African Entertainment
The AMVCA, launched by MultiChoice in 2013, remains one of Africa’s biggest entertainment award platforms, recognising outstanding achievements in film, television, and digital storytelling across the continent.
This year’s edition also sparked conversations online as fans celebrated surprise wins, emotional speeches, fashion moments, and standout performances from some of Africa’s biggest stars.
