The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2026) unfolded in grand style at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, solidifying its reputation as the continent’s most prestigious celebration of film, television, and digital content.
Hosted by comedian Bovi Ugboma and actress Nomzamo Mbatha, this year’s ceremony saw riveting competition, historic wins, and creatives from across Africa take home coveted statuettes.
Here’s a comprehensive editorial report of every major winner from the night.
Best Movie
🏆 My Father’s Shadow — Rachel Dargavel & Funmbi Ogunbanwo
Best Director
🏆 Akinola Davies Jr. — My Father’s Shadow
Akinola Davies Jr.’s film didn’t just win; it towered. From writing to sound to direction, it was the night’s undeniable centerpiece.
Best Lead Actor
🏆 Uzor Arukwe — Colours of Fire
Best Lead Actress
🏆 Linda Ejiofor‑Suleiman — The Serpent’s Gift
Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Bucci Franklin — To Kill a Monkey
Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman — The Herd
Best Cinematography
🏆 To Kill a Monkey — Kabelo Thathe
Best Sound Design
🏆 My Father’s Shadow — Pius Fatoke & CJ Mirra
Best Art Direction
🏆 Colours of Fire — Ajamolaya Bunmi
Best Costume Design
🏆 Valerie Okeke — Colours of Fire
Best Makeup
🏆 Adeola Thelma Bamgboye — Lisabi (A Legend Is Born)
Best Writing in a Movie
🏆 Wale Davies — My Father’s Shadow
Best Writing in a TV Series
🏆 MTV Shuga Masahariki
Best Short Film
🏆 Hussainin — Orire Nwani & Josh Olaoluwa
Indigenous Language Film Categories
AMVCA’s continental expansion was evident in these wins:
West Africa:Lisabi (A Legend Is Born), North Africa:Artal Alhanin: Our Memories, Central Africa:MabandaEast Africa:Addis Fikir, South Africa:Tlhaho Ya Mosadi
More than anything, AMVCA 2026 will be remembered for how decisively it crowned My Father’s Shadow as the year’s most important film, while also spreading recognition across regions, languages, and formats, from indigenous epics to digital creators.
The ceremony felt less like a popularity contest and more like a referendum on where African storytelling is headed: technically refined, culturally grounded, and globally aware.
For once, the loudest statement of the night wasn’t made on the red carpet, it was made on screen
