The highly anticipated Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for 2024 concluded with a dazzling ceremony honoring outstanding talent and creativity in the African film industry. Hosted by MulitChoice at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos State, the event celebrated remarkable achievements across various categories, showcasing the continent’s vibrant cinematic landscape.
Here’s a rundown of all the winners:
Best Makeup
Amongst an array of skilled artists, Campbell Precious emerged victorious for her outstanding work in Mami Wata. Her exceptional talent and creativity in transforming actors into characters added depth and authenticity to the film.
Best Art Direction
Abisola Omolade received acclaim for her exemplary art direction in Over The Bridge. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to create immersive visual environments captivated audiences, making the film a standout in this category.
Best Costume Design
Lola Awe garnered praise for her remarkable costume design in Jagun Jagun: The Warrior. A fusion of tradition and innovation, Awe’s creations brought characters to life, enhancing the narrative with authenticity and flair.
Best Writing TV Series
Mona Ombogo claimed the spotlight with Volume, showcasing exceptional storytelling prowess. The series resonated with audiences, weaving intricate narratives that delved into the complexities of human relationships and societal issues.
Best Writing in a Movie
Tunde Babalola’s compelling script for Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti captivated hearts and minds, offering a poignant portrayal of the iconic Nigerian figure. Babalola’s narrative brilliance breathed life into historical events, earning him well-deserved recognition.
Best Sound Design
Grey Jones Ossai’s outstanding sound design in Blood Vessel elevated the film’s auditory experience. His meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques immersed viewers in the world of the film, creating an unforgettable auditory journey.
Best Editing
Antonio Ribeiro’s exceptional editing skills in The Black Book showcased a mastery of the craft. His seamless storytelling and precise editing contributed significantly to the film’s impact, earning him accolades from peers and audiences alike.
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and cultural authenticity. Its numerous nominations show how the film resonated deeply with viewers, earning Adebayo well-deserved recognition.
Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)
Ormoilaa Ogol’s The Strong One stood out for its powerful storytelling and authentic representation of East African culture. Ogol’s film captivated audiences, offering a poignant exploration of identity and tradition.
Best Cinematography
KC Obiajulu’s stunning cinematography in Over The Bridge transported viewers into visually breathtaking landscapes. His use of light and composition added depth and texture to the film, earning him acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Adeniyi Joseph’s Irora Iya captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and powerful performances. A testament to the richness of African storytelling, the film left a lasting impression on viewers, solidifying Joseph’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Best Digital Content
Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola’s (popularly known as Layi Wasabi) Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement resonated with audiences, offering thought-provoking insights into contemporary issues. Olayiwola’s creative approach earned him well-deserved recognition in the digital content category.
Best Short Film
Broken Mask, Starring Brutus Richard, and Darasime Nadi, captivated audiences with their poignant storytelling and powerful performances. The film offered a compelling exploration of magical realism and the psychological effect of child molestation from a father’s point of view.
Best Unscripted M-Net Original
Nwuyee Bekee’s Foreign Wives stood out for its engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of cultural dynamics. Bekee’s documentary series offered a nuanced portrayal of relationships, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Best Scripted M-Net Original
Itura, directed by an unnamed talent, captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. The series offered a compelling exploration of societal issues, resonating deeply with viewers.
Best Supporting Actress
Genoveva Umeh’s captivating performance in Breath of Life earned her the Best Supporting Actress category acclaim. Her nuanced portrayal of Anna added depth and authenticity to the film, garnering praise from audiences and critics alike.
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Best Supporting Actor
Demola Adedoyin’s standout performance in Breath of Life earned him acclaim in the Best Supporting Actor category. His compelling portrayal of the younger version of the quintessential Timi added depth and resonance to the film, earning him well-deserved recognition.
Trailblazer
After missing out last year, Chimezie Imo won the Trailblazer Award at the AMVCA. Last year, Imo was nominated for Best Actor in A Drama Category. This award is his first, and he has several nominations in different awards and categories.
Industry Merit Award
Esteemed veterans Esther Idowu Philips, AKA Iya Rainbow, and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) were honored with the AMVCA Industry Merit Award for their exceptional contributions to African cinema. Their illustrious careers have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless filmmakers and actors.
Best Lead Actress
Kehinde Bankole’s compelling performance in Adire earned her acclaim in the Best Lead Actress category. This category proved to be a tightly contested category, featuring Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah), Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi), Segilola Ogidan (Over the Bridge), and others.
Read: Alexx Ekubo, Timini Egbuson – AMVCA Nominees for Best Supporting Actor
Best Lead Actor
In what seems to be a sweep for Breath of Life, Wale Ojo’s captivating performance in the movie earned him acclaim in the Best Lead Actor category. Nominated alongside the industry’s finest such as Richard Mofe-Damijo (Black Book), Adedimeji Lateef (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior), Stan Nze (Afemefuna), and others, Wale’s portrayal of the much older version of Timi was indeed breathtaking.
Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie
Her Dark Past captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. The film offered a compelling exploration of identity and redemption, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Best Unscripted Series
Gh Queens (Season 2) won the award for Best Unscripted Series on the award night. The reality show stars Efia Odo, Sista Afia, Abyna Marie, and Coco Treyy, who grace the entertainment scene with their crafts, widely publicized social media platforms, and all the gossip and drama surrounding their lives.
Best Scripted Series
Itura, created by Bode Asiyanbi, captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. The series offered a compelling exploration of societal issues, resonating deeply with viewers.
Best Director
BB Sasore’s visionary direction in Breath of Life earned him the Best Director category acclaim. His innovative storytelling and bold vision brought the film to life, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
Best Movie
For its final sweep of the night at the AMVCAs, Breath of Life emerged victorious as the Best Movie of the year. The film’s compelling narrative, powerful performances, and visionary direction captivated audiences, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece.