Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has stirred online conversation after contrasting the award presentation style at the Academy Awards with that of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The actor took to his Instagram story on Monday to celebrate Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan, who won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his dual role in “Sinners” at the 2026 ceremony . In a video shared on his page, Jordan was seen watching his Oscar statuette being engraved with his name moments after his victory .
Impressed by the seamless process, Remi compared it to what he implied happens at the AMVCA.
“So they engrave your name after you win! Right there. Take it home! If na AMVCA, all of you will share one for the night then come back and collect it at the next award,” he wrote .
The actor’s comment suggested that AMVCA winners do not receive personalised plaques immediately and may have to wait until the following ceremony to collect their awards .
The post quickly generated mixed reactions from social media users.
One user, @krizsnix, commented: “Nigeria and America is not the same country you cannot expect things done in America to be done in Nigeria the same.”
Another user, @MannyMcdon, noted that blank awards presented on stage is standard practice at many award shows to prevent winners’ names from leaking before the ceremony.
However, some users countered Remi’s claim. @oloyenaija1, who reported at the 2024 AMVCA, stated: “The winners were given their awards as they are being announced. There is a backstage where winners go to so their names can be engraved on it IMMEDIATELY.”
Similarly, @OlamideHabeebah confirmed that an engraving company was live onsite for at least the last two AMVCAs to personalise awards immediately after wins.
Despite these counterclaims, several users expressed support for Remi’s criticism. @EdocatedBoy commented: “Them go blacklist this one for telling them the truth now, Nigerians that don’t like truth😂😂😂 he will never smell AMVCA again just watch.”
Remi’s comments come against the backdrop of his own history with the AMVCA . In 2023, he was notably left out of the nomination list for the 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards despite starring in the epic film “Anikulapo,” which received 16 nominations .
At the time, Remi responded to the snub with grace, thanking fans for their support and congratulating his nominated colleagues .
“I have been seeing all the tags after the AMVCA nomination announcement. It would be nonchalant not to appreciate the love, calls and messages. Thank you kindred,” he wrote in 2023 .
He jokingly added: “God save una, cos if I Dey the categories I for win (joke) before una say otherwise” .
Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win places him among a select group of Black actors who have won the Best Actor category, following Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith . In his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked director Ryan Coogler and paid tribute to Black film pioneers who paved the way for future generations .
