By Ayo Onikoyi
The race for Africa’s most prestigious film and television honours has officially begun, with fresh contenders and industry heavyweights jostling for dominance following the release of nominations for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Unveiled on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during a live broadcast on Africa Magic and hosted by actor Chimezie Imo, this year’s nominations spotlight a dynamic mix of established stars and rising talents shaping the continent’s storytelling landscape.

Leading the charge are Gingerrr and The Herd, each securing nine nominations across major categories, from acting to directing and technical excellence. Close behind is To Kill A Monkey with eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow follows with seven, reinforcing a highly competitive field ahead of the main ceremony.

Beyond the numbers, this year’s list signals a shift toward more diverse narratives and emerging voices, even as industry veterans maintain a strong presence. Notably, Sola Sobowale earned dual nominations in both lead and supporting acting categories, while actors like Uzor Arukwe and Lateef Adedimeji also secured multiple nods, underlining their continued influence.

One of the standout developments is the emergence of newer talents, with Genoveva Umeh landing her first Best Lead Actress nomination—positioning her as one of the key names to watch as anticipation builds toward the awards night.

The nominations also highlight the breadth of African storytelling, spanning indigenous language films across West, East, Southern, Central, and North Africa, alongside digital content, documentaries, and both scripted and unscripted television. This wide representation underscores AMVCA’s growing role as a continental platform celebrating creative diversity.

With a total of 32 categories—18 jury-decided, 11 open to public voting, and three special recognition awards—the stakes are higher than ever. Public voting officially opened shortly after the announcement, giving audiences a direct voice in shaping some of the outcomes.

The winners will be revealed at the grand ceremony scheduled for May 9, 2026, in Lagos, where the continent’s brightest stars are expected to gather for a night of glamour, celebration, and, ultimately, crowning achievements.

As the countdown begins, industry observers say this year’s edition could mark a defining moment for a new generation of filmmakers ready to challenge the old guard while elevating African cinema to even greater heights.