The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Concluded with Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo Receiving Industry Merit Awards
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) culminated in a spectacular gala at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, celebrating the pinnacle of African cinematic talent.
The evening reached an emotional peak when veteran icons Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honored with the prestigious Industry Merit Awards.
This recognition serves as a testament to their decades of unwavering dedication, consistency, and transformative impact on the Nigerian film industry, solidifying their status as true legends of the screen.
The night’s undisputed heavyweight champion was the British-Nigerian drama My Father’s Shadow, which captivated the jury and audience alike. The film secured a near sweep of the major technical and creative categories, most notably claiming the coveted Best Movie title.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election crisis, the film's victory highlights a growing appreciation for narratives that blend intimate family dynamics with significant national milestones.
Akinola Davies Jr. took home the Best Director award for his masterful orchestration of My Father’s Shadow, further cementing the film's dominance.
The production also triumphed in the Best Writing (Movie) category, credited to brothers Wale and Akinola Davies, and swept several technical awards, including Best Score/Music and Best Sound Design. Its success marks a historic moment for the film, which had previously gained international acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival and the BAFTAs.
In addition to the major wins for My Father’s Shadow, the 12th AMVCA witnessed historic acting achievements. Linda Ejiofor made waves by becoming the first actor to win both Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd in the same year.
Other notable winners included Uzor Arukwe, who clinched Best Lead Actor for his role in Colours of Fire, and Bucci Franklin, who was named Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the series To Kill A Monkey.
The 2026 awards ceremony reflected the continued evolution and global integration of African cinema. By honoring both established legends like Sobowale and Kanayo, alongside innovative, globally recognized projects like "My Father’s Shadow", the AMVCAs showcased the industry's ability to balance rich heritage with modern, sophisticated storytelling.
The event concluded as a vibrant celebration of the diverse voices and immense technical growth that define the African entertainment landscape today.

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