The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has officially kicked off its 12th edition, setting the stage for what promises to be another landmark celebration of African film and television.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, where organisers unveiled key details for the 2026 awards, including categories, judging structure, and the official date for the grand finale.
Scheduled to culminate in a star-studded ceremony on May 9, 2026, the AMVCA continues to position itself as a major driver of Africa’s creative economy, spotlighting excellence across the continent’s film and television industry.
Since its inception in 2013, the awards have evolved beyond a glamorous event into a platform that supports industry growth. Organisers revealed that the initiative has contributed to the creation of over 30,000 jobs spanning production, technical, and creative sectors.
Speaking at the unveiling, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, noted that this year’s edition will highlight the “ecosystem of excellence” behind the scenes.
According to her, while the red carpet often captures public attention, the real impact of the AMVCA lies in recognising the writers, directors, editors, and technicians who shape African storytelling.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the expansion of award categories to reflect Africa’s diversity. For the first time, Best Indigenous Language categories have been introduced for North Africa and Central Africa, bringing the total number of categories to 32.
The categories include 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special recognitions, such as the Trailblazer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Adding credibility to the process, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has been appointed as the Head Judge for the 2026 edition. Her wealth of experience is expected to ensure a high level of professionalism and fairness in the selection process.
The awards also return with strong corporate backing, with Don Julio announced as the lead sponsor. According to Segun Ogunleye, Head of Marketing for Africa Partner Markets at Diageo, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating African creativity and cultural connection.
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Meanwhile, anticipation is building ahead of the nominees’ announcement, scheduled for March 29, 2026. The event will be hosted by AMVCA winner Chiemezie Imo and broadcast live across all Africa Magic channels.
As preparations continue, industry stakeholders and fans alike are looking forward to another impactful edition that not only celebrates talent but also strengthens Africa’s global cultural footprint.