Countdown to AMAA 2026: Stars Set for Showdown
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The Africa Film Academy (AFA), organizers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), have unveiled the nominees for the 22nd edition of the continental awards.
The nomination list was announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at a gathering of stakeholders and film practitioners at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Announcing the nominees, the Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Dr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, disclosed that the awards ceremony will hold on November 15, 2026. He congratulated all nominees, noting that a nomination alone is a major win.
In his words: “These selections highlight diverse storytelling, bridging gaps across sub-regions – West, East, North and Southern Africa – and beyond. To every writer, director, actor and creative whose work has been recognized today, congratulations. Your nomination is not just an acknowledgment of your hard work; it is a testament to your role as a guardian of Africa’s rich narrative.”
Dr. Anyiam-Osigwe said AMAA has grown beyond an awards platform to become a mirror of Africa’s shared struggles, triumphs and cultures.
“For over two decades, AMAA has been more than just an awards platform. It has been a mirror reflecting our shared struggles, our triumphs, our diverse cultures, and the fact that Africa is indeed a centre of creative excellence. The films nominated this year remind us that African stories are global stories, possessing the power to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences anywhere in the world.
“Behind every nomination announced today is a vision that refused to be silenced, a team that tested their will to succeed and pushed through boundaries, and a story that demanded to be told.
“You have raised the bar for African cinema, and for that, the entire continent applauds you,” he said.
He added: “As we look forward to AMAA 2026 at the prestigious 5-Star Marriott Lagos, let us remember that whether you take home a trophy or not, your creativity has already won. You are shaping the future of African storytelling.”
The unveiling was attended by members of the jury, led by the Head of the College of Screeners, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, and Hon. Steve Ayorinde. Other dignitaries and guests included Victor Osuagwu, Alex O, Kingsley Omoefe, Big Tony, Lancelot Imasuen, Sola Fosudo, Ruth Jacobs, Tony Akposheri, Lord Frank and Justice Adigogo.
Uganda’s ‘Slum Bomber’ and Kenya’s ‘One Woman, One Bra’ topped the nominations chart with 14 nominations each, followed closely by Nollywood’s ‘To Adaego With Love’ with 11 nominations. Daniel Etim-Effiong’s ‘The Herd’ secured 10 nominations, while ‘Colours of Fire’ received nine.
Nollywood stars Daniel Etim-Effiong, Osas Ighodaro, Toyin Abraham, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe and Wale Ojo earned nominations in various categories. Etim-Effiong stood out with three nominations, for Best Director, Best Debut Feature and Best Actor in a Leading Role. Osas Ikponyon was nominated for Best Young/Promising Actor for her role in ‘Evi’.
In the Best Film category, nine entries from six African countries will compete, including Nigeria’s ‘To Adaego With Love’ and ‘The Herd’, South Africa’s ‘The Trek’ and ‘Ben Made It’, and Ghana’s ‘The Fisherman’.
