The journey to the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has officially begun, and excitement is already building across the continent. Hosted by the lively Chimezie Imo, a former Trailblazer Award winner, the live nominee announcement has set the tone for what promises to be a memorable celebration of African cinema on May 9, 2026.

From industry legends to a new generation of Nollywood stars, here is a clear look at the key highlights from the 2026 AMVCA nominations.

The Front-Runners: Gingerrr and The Herd

This year’s nominations are led by two standout films, Gingerrr and The Herd, each earning an impressive nine nominations. Both projects appear in major categories such as Best Director, Best Movie, and several acting categories.

Close behind them are To Kill A Monkey with eight nominations and My Father’s Shadow with seven. Together, these films showcase some of the strongest storytelling and production quality seen in 2025.

Acting Standouts: Sola Sobowale Leads the Pack

Veteran actress Sola Sobowale continues to prove her influence in the industry. She earned nominations for Best Lead Actress for Her Excellency and Best Supporting Actress for The Covenant, showing her versatility once again.

Other notable performances include Lateef Adedimeji and Uzor Arukwe, who both secured nominations in Lead and Supporting categories. Bimbo Akintola also received recognition for her role in To Kill A Monkey, reinforcing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s finest talents.

A Breakthrough Moment: Genoveva Umeh

One of the biggest highlights of the night was the nomination of Genoveva Umeh for Best Lead Actress for her role in The Herd. Although she has been gaining attention for some time, this marks her first nomination in a Lead category at the AMVCAs. It is a major milestone in her career and a sign of even bigger things ahead.

Expanding the Stage Across Africa

With Joke Silva serving as Head Judge, this year’s awards have taken a broader continental approach. The 12th edition includes 32 categories, with new additions that recognize films in Indigenous Languages from North Africa and Central Africa.

This move strengthens the AMVCAs’ position as a platform that celebrates stories from all parts of Africa.

Voting: Your Voice Matters

Now that the nominees are out, fans have an important role to play. While 18 categories will be decided by a jury, 11 categories are open to public voting, including Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, and Best Digital Content Creator.

Viewers can cast their votes on the official Africa Magic website . Be sure to check the platform for voting deadlines for each category.

Looking Ahead

The main awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos on Saturday, May 9, 2026. With Don Julio as the headline sponsor, the night is expected to deliver top-tier entertainment, style, and recognition for the best in African film and television.

All eyes are now on the big night as the countdown begins.