Lagos, March 24, 2025 | The buzz is electric tonight as the nominees for the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) dropped just hours ago, lighting up screens and social feeds across Nigeria at 12:01 AM WAT. The list, unveiled by MultiChoice Nigeria on Sunday night, March 23, is a who’s-who of Nollywood’s finest, Adedimeji Lateef, Uzor Arukwe, Chioma Chukwuka, and a slew of other stars snagging nods for a shot at glory come May 10. It’s a lineup that’s got fans cheering, critics nodding, and the industry dreaming big for what’s shaping up as a blockbuster night.
This year’s AMVCA, set to dazzle at Lagos’ Eko Hotel and Suites, is rolling out 28 categories 18 judged by a jury of insiders, 10 open to public votes buzzing until May 4 on the Africa Magic website. The cherry on top? Two special honors: the Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards, reserved for legends who’ve carved the path. But tonight, it’s the nominees stealing the show, a mix of veterans and rising talents who’ve poured their hearts into 2024’s standout films.
Adedimeji Lateef’s leading the charge, snagging Best Lead Actor for his gripping turn as Yoruba warrior Lisabi in Lisabi: The Uprising. It’s a role that’s already got tongues wagging raw, fierce, and a testament to his range after years of climbing Nollywood’s ranks. Chioma Chukwuka’s not far behind, landing Best Lead Actress for Seven Doors, a performance that’s left audiences misty-eyed and X posts calling her “a queen reborn.” Then there’s Uzor Arukwe, up for Best Supporting Actor in Suspicion, proving his knack for stealing scenes with that quiet intensity fans adore.
The list doesn’t stop there. Femi Adebayo’s another Best Lead Actor contender for Seven Doors, doubling down on a year where he’s flexed both acting and producing chops. Hilda Dokubo’s nod for The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 in Best Lead Actress has folks reminiscing about her grit, while Omoni Oboli’s Best Supporting Actress bid for the same film ties a franchise that’s hit home with Nigerian wives everywhere. Bimbo Ademoye’s Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre nod keeps her streak alive, and Stan Nze’s Suspicion role rounds out a fierce lead actor race.
It’s not just the actors films like Lisabi: The Uprising and Seven Doors are cleaning up, with nods in Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Editing, hinting at technical wizardry that’s matched the on-screen fire. Christmas in Lagos and House of Ga’a are also in the mix, promising a night where Nollywood’s craft gets its due. “Seeing these names it’s like a family reunion,” said Kemi Adebayo, a Lagos film buff who caught the list drop live. “Lateef, Chioma, Uzor they’re our stories, our pride.”
Posts on X are popping off some hailing “history makers” like Lateef, others debating snubs (where’s Funke Akindele this time?). The sentiment’s clear: this is Nollywood flexing its muscle, a year after 2024’s Breath of Life sweep showed the world what Nigeria’s got. MultiChoice isn’t sleeping on it either Dr. Busola Tejumola, content chief, called it a “celebration of excellence” that’s pushing African storytelling global.
But it’s not all glitz. The AMVCA’s a mirror too reflecting an industry that’s soared with streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video, yet wrestles with funding and piracy. These noms, from Farmer’s Bride to Phoenix Fury, show a hunger to tell bold, local tales ones that hit home for folks like Kemi and millions more. Come May 10, when the red carpet rolls out, it’ll be more than awards it’ll be a stake in the ground for Nollywood’s next chapter.
For now, the countdown’s on. Voting’s live, the jury’s deliberating, and Lagos is ready to cheer its own. Adedimeji, Chioma, Uzor they’re not just names on a list; they’re the heartbeat of a scene that’s loud, proud, and unstoppable. Who’s taking home gold? We’ll see but tonight, they’re all winners in Nigeria’s eyes.