Uzor Arukwe and Linda Ejiofor emerged as the star winners at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, which held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Saturday night.
The ceremony celebrated outstanding achievement in African film, television, and digital storytelling across 32 categories, with 18 decided by a jury and 11 determined by audience votes.
Veteran actress Joke Silva served as Head Judge for the highly anticipated awards night.
Arukwe won Best Lead Actor for his role in “Colours of Fire,” while Ejiofor claimed both Best Supporting Actress for “The Herd” and Best Lead Actress for “The Serpent’s Gift” in a remarkable double victory.
The movie “Gingerrr” led the nominations, with strong contenders including “To Kill A Monkey,” “My Father’s Shadow,” and “The Herd.”
“My Father’s Shadow” emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home Best Movie, Best Director for Akinola Davies Jr, Best Writing for Wale Davies, and Best Sound.
Legendary actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo both received Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Uche Montana won the Trailblazer Award.
A new category was introduced this year: Best Indigenous Language Film for North Africa and Central Africa.
The event also showcased the fashion highlights of the night, with attendees bringing their best looks following the Met Gala earlier in the week.
Full list of winners:
Best Movie: “My Father’s Shadow”
Best Lead Actor: Uzor Arukwe – “Colours of Fire”
Best Lead Actress: Linda Ejiofor – “The Serpent’s Gift”
Best Supporting Actor: Bucci Franklin – “To Kill a Monkey”
Best Supporting Actress: Linda Ejiofor – “The Herd”
Best Director: Akinola Davies Jr – “My Father’s Shadow”
Best Cinematography: “To Kill A Monkey”
Best Writing – Movie: “My Father’s Shadow”
Best Costume Design: “Colours of Fire”
Best Makeup: “Warlord”
Best Sound: “My Father’s Shadow”
Trailblazer Award: Uche Montana
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Sola Sobowale, Kanayo O. Kanayo
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa): “Lisabi (A Legend is Born)”
Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa): “Addis Fikir”
Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa): “Tlhaho Ya Mosadi”
Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa): “Mabanda”
Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa): “Artal Alhanin: Our Memories”
