Key moments
The nominees for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2026 were announced live on Africa Magic channels, revealing a competitive landscape for this year’s awards. Leading the nominations are Gingerrr and The Herd, each securing an impressive nine nominations. Following closely is To Kill A Monkey with eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow garnered seven nominations.
The AMVCA 2026 ceremony is scheduled for May 9, 2026, and marks the 12th edition of the awards. This year, the event features a total of 32 categories, which includes 18 jury-decided awards, 11 public-voted categories, and 3 special recognition awards. Voting for the public categories opened on March 29, 2026, and will close on April 26, 2026.
In a notable change for this year, the AMVCA has introduced two new categories: Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa). These additions reflect the growing diversity and richness of African storytelling in cinema.
The awards are sponsored by Don Julio, which has been a headline sponsor for the event. The organisers have appointed veteran actress Joke Silva as the Head Judge for this edition, succeeding Femi Odugbemi. Silva’s experience and insight are expected to contribute significantly to the judging process.
As the public voting phase progresses, fans and industry stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the outcome. The announcement of the nominees has sparked discussions across social media platforms, with many expressing their support for their favorite films and performances.
In summary, the AMVCA 2026 nominees reflect a vibrant and competitive field in African cinema. With the public voting now underway, the excitement surrounding the awards is palpable, as audiences look forward to celebrating the best in film and television.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential surprises or additional announcements leading up to the ceremony. The AMVCA continues to be a significant event in the African entertainment calendar, showcasing the talents and creativity of filmmakers across the continent.