Manny Ita –
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has officially taken shape following the release of the 2026 nominees list, which sees two major productions emerging as the clear favorites to sweep the ceremony. The Lagos-centered drama “Gingerrr,” directed by Yemi Morafa, and the high-stakes crime thriller “The Herd,” directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong, sit at the top of the pack with nine nominations each. Both films are set to battle for the night’s biggest prizes, including Best Movie, Best Director, and several technical honors, marking a significant year for gritty, realistic storytelling in the Nigerian film industry.
Trailing closely behind the leaders are Kemi Adetiba’s “To Kill A Monkey” with eight nods and Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow” with seven. The acting categories have sparked intense conversation on social media, particularly with the double nomination of veteran Sola Sobowale, who is recognized for both Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress across different projects. Meanwhile, rising star Genoveva Umeh has secured her first-ever nomination for Best Lead Actress, signaling a shift toward a new generation of talent taking center stage in Nollywood.
The technical categories highlighted the immense growth of Nigerian cinematography, with Emmanuel Igbekele achieving a record-breaking three nominations for his camera work on separate projects. The jury, led by the distinguished Joke Silva, will oversee 18 categories, while the remaining 11 will be decided by public vote. Fans have already begun casting ballots on the official Africa Magic website to support their favorites ahead of the grand gala scheduled for May 9, 2026, in Lagos.
The 2026 lineup reflects a diverse range of genres, from traditional dramas to experimental thrillers, showcasing the expanding creative boundaries of the continent’s cinema. As the countdown to the awards night begins, industry insiders are predicting one of the most competitive ceremonies in the event’s history, with the “Best Movie” category featuring a formidable list of six contenders that have all enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success over the past year.
