The 22nd Africa Movie Academy Awards highlighted the continent’s cinematic talent, with Nigeria’s To Adaego With Love and The Herd leading nominations and a broad field of African films competing for Best Film.
The 22nd edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) reached a milestone this year with a strong lineup of nominees that showcases the continent’s dynamic film industry.
Abuja’s PUNCH newspaper covered the ceremony held on Saturday at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, where the Africa Film Academy announced that 46 films from 21 African countries have earned nominations across 21 categories. Nigerian drama To Adaego With Love sits at the front of the flock, boasting 11 nominations, while The Herd, led by director Daniel Etim‑Effiong, sits just behind with 10 nods.
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Kenya Uganda And South Africa Lead Nominations
Kenya’s One Woman, One Bra and Uganda’s Slum Bomber are tied for the top spot with 14 nominations each, and South Africa’s The Trek and Ben Made It secure five each in the Best Film category. The Best Film section is poised to ignite a fierce competition. Nine entries from six countries-including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and an unnamed sixth nation-will vie for the coveted award.
Ghana’s The Fisherman adds to the continental diversity, while Nigeria’s entries represent a strong domestic push in both narrative depth and technical execution. Commenting on the nomination list, Raymond Anyiam‑Osigwe, Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, praised the range of stories and cultures represented. He highlighted the event’s role as “a mirror reflecting our shared struggles, our triumphs, our diverse cultures and the fact that Africa is indeed a centre of creative excellence.
” He also emphasized that the films demonstrate how African stories can captivate global audiences and inspire change. Nigerian talent is widely recognized across the awards. Daniel Etim‑Effiong earned nominations as Best Director, Best Debut Feature and Best Actor in a Leading Role for his work on The Herd. Leading actors such as Osas Ighodaro, Toyin Abraham, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe and Wale Ojo also feature prominently.
Industry Figures Gather To Celebrate African Cinema
In addition, young actress Osas Ikponyon received recognition in the Best Young/Promising Actor category for her performance in Evi. The ceremony assembled a host of industry figures, including the Head of the College of Screeners, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Steve Ayorinde, Victor Oswuagu, Alex O, Kingsley Omoefe, Big Tony, Lancelot Imasuen, Sola Fosudo, Ruth Jacobs, Tony Akposhere, Lord Frank and Justice Adigogo.
Amid the celebrations, PUNCH’s Lifestyle Editor Tofarati Ige noted that the event reminds stakeholders of the continent’s growing influence in the global film conversation and underlines how African cinema can simultaneously honor tradition and push forward with innovative storytelling. With over 200 titles from across Africa, the awards aim to strengthen the industry’s infrastructure while providing a vital platform for creators to gain international visibility.
Whether leading the nomination race or supporting newcomers, every nominated film establishes an important narrative that highlights the richness of African voices. The AMAA’s 22nd edition promises not only to celebrate achievements but also to galvanise filmmakers, producers and audiences in Africa and beyond as they keep pushing for increased representation in the global cinematic arena.
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Africa Movie Academy AwardsNigerian CinemaTo Adaego With LoveThe HerdAfrican Film Industry
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