The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 10, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, was a dazzling celebration of African cinema.
The event showcased the continent’s rich storytelling heritage, with standout films like Seven Doors and Lisabi: The Uprising earning top honors. The evening was marked by emotional speeches, cultural pride, and a red carpet that highlighted the vibrancy of African fashion.
🎬 Cinematic Triumphs: Celebrating African Storytelling
Seven Doors: A Tale of Redemption and Recognition
Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors emerged as a significant winner, securing three awards:
Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo
Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka
Best Score/Music: Tolu Obanro
The film, a historical drama co-directed by Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, and Tope Adebayo, captivated audiences with its powerful narrative and stellar performances.
Lisabi: The Uprising: A Cultural Epic Resonates
Lisabi: The Uprising, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and written by Lateef Adedimeji and Adebayo Tijani, also clinched three awards:
Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)
Best Art Direction: Solihull Badu Noutical and Ayanmo Yakub
Best Make-Up: Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)
The film, a historical epic about the 18th-century Lisabi Rebellion of Abeokuta, was lauded for its authentic portrayal of cultural heritage and resistance.
Other Notable Winners
Best Movie: Freedom Way
Best Director: Awam Amkpa for The Man Died
Best Writing in a Movie: Blessing Uzzi for Freedom Way
Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan for Inside Life
Best Sound Design: Suspicion
Best Editing: Tongai Furusa for Inkabi
👗 Red Carpet Glamour: A Showcase of African Elegance
The AMVCA 2025 red carpet was a vibrant display of African fashion, with celebrities donning outfits that celebrated tradition and innovation.
Standout Looks
Osas Ighodaro: Stunned in an elegant ensemble that highlighted her poise and fashion-forward sensibility.
Erica Nlewedim: Channeled a Disney princess in a flowing gown that captivated onlookers.
The red carpet was not just a fashion statement but a celebration of African identity and creativity.
🏆 Honoring Legends: Lifetime Achievement Awards
The AMVCA 2025 paid tribute to industry veterans:
Sani Mu’azu: Recognized for his extensive contributions to Nollywood.
Nkem Owoh: Celebrated for his enduring impact on African cinema.
Their awards underscored the importance of honoring those who have paved the way for future generations in the film industry.
🎤 Emotional Speeches and Cultural Pride
The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches that resonated with the audience:
Lateef Adedimeji: Expressed gratitude for the recognition of Lisabi: The Uprising, emphasizing the importance of hard work and cultural storytelling.
Femi Adebayo: Dedicated his award to the cast and crew of Seven Doors, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the film’s success.
Surprises: Unexpected Moments and Outcomes
Freedom Way Clinches Best Movie
In a surprising turn, Freedom Way, a socially conscious drama directed by Uyoyou Adia, won the Best Movie award, surpassing heavyweights like Seven Doors and Lisabi: The Uprising.
The film’s grounded narrative about activism and injustice in urban Lagos struck a chord with the judges and audience alike.
Awam Amkpa’s Unexpected Win
While many anticipated Niyi Akinmolayan or Femi Adebayo to win Best Director, the award went to Awam Amkpa for The Man Died, a political adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir. This win underscored the appreciation for intellectual and thought-provoking cinema.
A Sunday Affair Goes Home Empty-Handed
Despite multiple nominations and strong backing from Netflix, A Sunday Affair did not secure any awards, marking one of the night’s most significant surprises.
Gabriel Afolayan’s Victory
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Gabriel Afolayan’s win for Inside Life over fan-favorite Deyemi Okanlawon (Bloodlines) was unexpected, highlighting the judges’ appreciation for nuanced performances.
Fan-Voted Categories Shake-Up
In the fan-voted categories, Chimezie Imo’s win as Best Online Sensation over established actors like Timini Egbuson and Daniel Etim Effiong signaled a shift in audience preferences towards emerging talents.
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