AMVCA 2026: Full List of Nominations as Gingerrr and The Herd Takes the Lead

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is set to take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.

This year’s nominations are led by standout productions such as Gingerrr, The Herd, and To Kill A Monkey, which dominate the nominations across a variety of categories.

New Categories Reflecting African Diversity

This year’s awards introduce fresh categories for Indigenous Language films from North and Central Africa, reflecting the increasing emphasis on cultural representation across the African entertainment industry. The addition highlights the importance of showcasing diverse African languages and regional cinema.

Top Nominees and Industry Standouts

Leading the charge this year are Gingerrr and The Herd, both earning nine nominations each in major categories such as acting, directing, and technical aspects. Following closely is To Kill A Monkey, which has garnered eight nominations, while My Father’s Shadow received seven, setting up a highly competitive night ahead.

In the acting categories, a mix of familiar stars and emerging talent stands out. Nollywood veteran Sola Sobowale earned nominations in both the Best Lead and Best Supporting Actress categories, alongside rising stars like Genoveva Umeh, who earned her first-ever nomination for Best Lead Actress.

Full List of Nominees

Here’s a look at the full list of nominations for the 2026 AMVCA:

Best Digital Content Creator

• Dr. Judgina – Situationally Transmitted Delusion
• The Marriage List – Destiny Ogie Osarewinda
• Leave To Live – Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom
• The Rate Race – Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo
• Luxury Koko – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma)

Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)

• Bet I Love You – Joseph Duke and Keamogetse Modise
• Sebata – The Beast – Various nominees
• Ben Made It – Thabang Mathumetse and Thapelo Dikhutso

Best Short Film

• Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands
• Fleas – Jordy Sank
• Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo

Best Scripted M-Net Original

• Adam To Eve – Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras
• Mother of the Brides – Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro
• The Yard – James Kalu Omokwe

Best Lead Actor

• Oversabi Aunty – Mike Ezuruonye
• Lisabi A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji
• To Kill A Monkey – William Benson

Best Cinematography

• My Father’s Shadow – Jermaine Edwards
• To Kill A Monkey – Kabelo Thathe
• The Herd – Emmanuel Igbekele

Best Documentary

• Beyond Olympic Glory – Shedrack Salami
• The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat – Louis Ejiofor
• The People Shall – Mark Maina and Nick Wambugu

Best Writing Movie

• The Herd – Lani Aisida
• My Father’s Shadow – Wale Davies
• Gingerrr – Xavier Ighorodje

Best Movie

• Gingerrr – Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori
• The Herd – Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem
• My Father’s Shadow – Funmbi Ogunbanwo