Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from AMVCA 2024

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) recently marked its monumental 10th edition, commemorating a decade of honoring excellence in African cinema and television. The event, held from the 9th to the 11th of May, was a vibrant celebration of talent and creativity across the continent.

Among the standout moments of the night was the triumph of "Breath of Life," directed by BB Sasore, which emerged as the biggest winner of the evening. This remarkable film captivated audiences and critics alike, sweeping multiple categories including Best Movie and Best Director.

However, the competition was fierce, with exceptional performances and productions vying for recognition. Notably, "Over the Bridge," "Mami Wata," and "Jagun Jagun – The Warrior" showcased outstanding storytelling and technical brilliance, earning nominations across various categories.

One of the most commendable aspects of the AMVCAs is its commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity in African cinema. This was evident in categories such as Best Indigenous Movie (West Africa), where "Jagun Jagun" by Femi Adebayo shone brightly, and Best Makeup, won by Campbell Precious Arebamen for "Mami Wata."

The event also honored industry legends and trailblazers, with Idowu Phillips (Iya Rainbow) and Richard Mofe Damijo receiving the prestigious Industry Merit Award. Additionally, Chimezie Imo was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions with the Trailblazer Award, underscoring the importance of fostering emerging talent in the industry.

Here's the full list of winners from the AMVCA 2024:

Best Indigenous Movie (West Africa): "Jagun Jagun" - Femi Adebayo 

Best Makeup: Campbell Precious Arebamen (Mami Wata) 

Best Art Direction: Abisola Omolade (Over The Bridge) 

Best Costume Design: Lola Awe (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior) 

Best Writing TV Series: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola) 

Best Sound Design: Grey Jones Ossai (Blood Vessel) 

Best Editing: Antonio Ribeiro (The Black Book) 

Best Cinematography: Over The Bridge - KC Obiajulu 

Best Indigenous M-NET Original: "Irora Iya" 

Best Short Film: "Broken Mask" - Kagho Idhebor 

Best Unscripted M-NET Original: Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives) 

Best Scripted M-NET Original: "Slum King" - Chinenye Nworah 

Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life) 

Best Supporting Actor: Ademola Adedoyin (Breath of Life) 

Trailblazer: Chimezie Imo 

Best Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire) 

Best Lead Actor: Wale Ojo (Breath of Life) 

Best M-NET Talent Factory: "Her Dark Past" Best Series (Unscripted): "GH Queens" (Season 2) 

Best Director: Bibi Sasore (Breath of Life) 

Best Movie: "Breath of Life" Industry Merit Award: Idowu Phillips, aka Iya Rainbow 

Second Industry Merit Award: Richard Mofe Damijo 

Best Digital Content: Layi Wasabi 

Best Indigenous Language (East Africa): "Wandongwa" 

Best Indigenous Language (South Africa): "Motshameko O Kotsi" 

Best Documentary: "Lobola" (Name of the individual winner is not mentioned) 

Best Series (Scripted): "ITura" (Name of the individual winner is not mentioned) 

Best Writing Movie: Tunde Babalola – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti 

These individuals and their works truly exemplify the excellence and diversity within African cinema and television.

The AMVCA 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the best of African cinema and television while setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come. As we look forward to the future, let us continue to celebrate diversity, excellence, and the transformative power of storytelling in Africa and beyond.