The 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 10, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, illuminated the brilliance of African film and television, honoring outstanding contributions across 28 categories.
The glamorous event, which kicked off with a vibrant red carpet at 4 PM, celebrated the continent’s storytelling prowess, with Lateef Adedimeji’s Lisabi: The Uprising emerging as a major winner, captivating audiences and judges with its cultural depth and technical excellence. The ceremony, blending jury-decided and public-voted awards, highlighted the growing global influence of African cinema, with performances by artists like Johnny Drille and Kunmie adding emotional resonance to the night.
Lisabi: The Uprising, a historical epic centered on the Yoruba warrior Lisabi, secured 10 nominations and clinched multiple awards, including Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa), Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup. Directed by and starring Lateef Adedimeji, the film was praised for its authentic portrayal of Yoruba heritage, meticulous production design, and powerful performances. Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji’s costume work earned particular acclaim, reflecting the film’s commitment to cultural accuracy. The Best Indigenous Language Film award underscored Lisabi’s role in promoting regional narratives, resonating deeply with audiences and affirming the importance of storytelling rooted in African traditions.
Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors also shone brightly, earning eight nominations and winning awards such as Best Score/Music for its innovative sound design and Best Supporting Actress for Chioma Akpotha’s compelling performance. The film, a poignant drama exploring complex human emotions, was lauded for its narrative depth and technical finesse. Other notable winners included Christmas in Lagos, which took home Best Movie, celebrated for its vibrant depiction of urban life and emotional storytelling, and Suspicion, recognized for its gripping plot and strong ensemble cast, with nominations for actors like Stan Nze and Uzor Arukwe.
The ceremony introduced a new Best Music Score category, highlighting the critical role of composers, with Seven Doors setting a benchmark. Technical categories saw fierce competition: Skeleton Coast won Best Cinematography for its stunning visuals, while Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre claimed Best Visual Effects, showcasing Nollywood’s growing expertise in post-production. Hakeem Onilogbo’s makeup work for Lisabi earned him Best Makeup, further cementing the film’s technical dominance. House of Gaa and Inkabi also received nominations, with the former earning praise for its historical accuracy and the latter for its bold narrative.
Individual acting awards highlighted both veterans and rising stars. While Femi Adebayo was announced the winner for Best Lead Actor for Seven Doors, the category saw strong contenders like Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi: The uprising), Femi Branch (House of Gaa) and Gabriel Afolayan (Inkabi).
The AMVCA 2025 ceremony, judged by a panel led by veteran filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, emphasized fairness and excellence, with 18 categories decided by experts and 10 by public vote. Voting, open until May 4, 2025, via the Africa Magic website, allowed fans to influence outcomes, reinforcing the awards’ democratic spirit. The event’s cultural significance was evident in its celebration of diverse narratives, from historical epics like Lisabi to contemporary dramas like Christmas in Lagos. As the night concluded, the AMVCA reaffirmed its role as a beacon for African creativity, inspiring filmmakers to push boundaries and tell stories that resonate globally.