The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was nothing short of a celebration of talent, with Nollywood stars Femi Adebayo and Lateef Adedimeji scooping the night’s biggest honours.
Veteran actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo won the Best Lead Actor award for his stellar performance in his movie “Seven Doors”. Adebayo’s role was one that drew in both audiences and critics, with his ability to add depth and emotion making the character unforgettable. The category was tightly contested with heavyweights like Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Bucci Franklin (The Weekend), Femi Branch (House of Gaa), Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast), Bimbo Manuel (Princess on a Hill), Stan Nze (Suspicion), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) also in the running.
While Lateef may not have won in the Lead Actor category, he and his wife, Mo Bimpe Adedimeji, had their moment of glory as their historical epic, Lisabi: The Uprising, clinched the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award. Dressed in matching, luxury-inspired outfits, the couple took to the stage to dedicate the win to God and extended heartfelt thanks to their team for staying the course.
Lisabi: The Uprising tells the gripping story of the Egba people in the 1800s, who were constantly oppressed by the Alaafin and Oyo warriors. In the midst of this, Lisabi, a farmer, emerged as a beacon of hope, rallying his fellow farmers to resist the notorious Ilari Oyo.
The movie was nominated alongside Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo, Anikulapo: Rise Of The Spectre by Kunle Afolayan, Kaka by Prince Daniel, and Mai Martaba, also by Prince Daniel. In addition to its win, Lisabi secured nominations in multiple categories including Best Art Director, Make-Up, Cinematography, Lead Actor, Costume Design, Supporting Actor, Editing, Sound Design, and Best Movie.
Another highlight of the night came as Gabriel Afolayan bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for his brilliant role in Inside Life. His performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth, earning him the edge over other strong contenders like Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi), Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors), Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way), RMD (Christmas in Lagos), Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion), and Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa).
In the female category, Chioma Chukwuka added yet another feather to her cap by winning Best Lead Actress for her performance in Seven Doors. Her character portrayal was powerful and moving, sealing her spot as one of Nollywood’s most respected talents. Other nominees in the category included Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride), Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo), Uche Montana (Thin Line), Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury), Hilda Dokubo (Wives on Strike 3), and Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre).
