By Benjamin Njoku

Last Sunday saw Nollywood light up for the star-studded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards,(AMVCA) with Kunle Afolayan and Rita Dominic emerging big winners of the night. But while most people’s predictions came true, the night was one of panache, glamour and surprise.

Starting from OC Ukeje, Gideon Okeke and Femi Jacobs’ rendition of Olamide’s ‘Shoki’ “ from the floor, to Mildred Okwo’s acceptance speech where she appealed to the corporate bodies to support the industry, this year’s AMVCAs was purely a Nollywood affair.

Hosted by TV presenter IK Osakioduwa and Zimbabwe’s former Big Brother Housemate, Vimbai Mutinhiti, the highpoint of the show was the presentation of awards to the deserving winners. It was one moment everyone was looking forward to, and it did not disappoint.

The show sponsored by Amstel Malta presented 33 coveted gold statuettes in 30 categories, tabulated and verified by auditing firm SizweNtsalubaGobodo and were broadcast live to 50 African countries. The night’s biggest winner was Nigerian psychological thriller “October 1” which scooped nine awards including Best Movie, Best Director ( Kunle Afolayan)and Best Actress (Drama) award which was won by Kehinde Bankole.

It also won the awards for ‘Best Costume Designer’ (Deola Sagoe), ‘Best Lighting Designer’ (Lanre Omofaye), ‘Best Make-Up Artist’ (Lola Maja), ‘Best Sound Editing’ (Kulanen Ikyo), ‘Best Art Director’ (Pat Nebo) and ‘Best Drama Writer’ (Tunde Babalola).

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The action thriller which premiered on October 1, last year, beat the likes of Lancelot Imasuen’s ‘Invasion 1897’, Zeb Ejiro’s ‘Yellow Cassava’ , Steve Gukas’ “ A Place in the Stars and “ Secret Room” to clinch the coveted prize .

It was an overwhelming victory that got Kunle Afolayan a cash prize of N1 million and one year supply of Amstel Malta, courtesy of owners of Amstel brand of Malta. “I want to thank the cast and crew for putting so much effort into this. I want to thank the Lagos State Government and Raji Babatunde Fashola also”, Afolayan said while receiving his awards.

He also described AMVCAs as the biggest platform for film makers in Africa at the moment, adding “ I have won several Best Director awards in the past but this one is very special to me.”

Another big winner on the night was Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo’s ‘The Meeting’ which won five awards including ‘Best Movie (Comedy)’, Best Actor in a Comedy(Femi Jacobs), Best Actress in a Comedy, (Rita Dominic)’ Best Supporting Actress( Linda Ejiofor), and Best Comedy Writer(Movie/TV) which was won by Tunde Babalola.

Other winners Ayo Makun a.k.a AY who won New Era award for his talent and role in his film “ 30 Days in Atlanta” and OC Ukeje whose role in “Confusion Na Wa “ won him Best Actor in a Drama. He also walked away with N1 million cash prize including six months supply of Amstel Malta. Rising film maker, CJ Obasi was presented with the TrailBlazer of the Year award. He walked away with a luxurious diamond studded watch, courtesy Chris Aire.