The Africa Film Academy (AFA), the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), have announced the nominees ahead of the 22nd edition.
The nomination list was unveiled on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in a gathering of stakeholders and African film practitioners at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA.
The Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe announced that the 22nd edition of the continental film awards ceremony will be held on November 15, 2026.
Dr Anyiam-Osigwe expressed felicitations to nominaees and noted that even if they don’t win the prize, they are already winners for getting nominated.
In his words, “These selections highlight diverse storytelling, bridging gaps across sub-regions (West, East, North, and Southern Africa) and beyond. To every writer, director, actor, creative whose work has been recognized today—congratulations. Your nomination is not just an acknowledgment of your hard work; it is a testament to your role as a guardian of the Africa’s rich narrative.”
Anyiam-Osigwe further noted that AMAA has become more than just an awards platform but a mirror reflecting Africa’s shared struggles, triumphs and diverse cultures.
He said, “For over two decades, AMAA has been more than just an awards platform. It has been a mirror reflecting our shared struggles, our triumphs, our diverse cultures, and the fact that Africa is indeed a centre of creative excellence. The films nominated this year remind us that African stories are global stories, possessing the power to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences anywhere in the world.
“Behind every nomination announced today is a vision that refused to be silenced, a team that tested their will to succeed and pushed through boundaries, and a story that demanded to be told.
“You have raised the bar for African cinema, and for that, the entire continent applauds you.
As we look forward to the AMAA 2026 to be held on November 15th 2026 at Prestigious Flagship 5 Star Hotel The Marriott Lagos, let us remember that whether you take home a trophy or not on the day, your creativity has already won. You are shaping the future of African storytelling.”
At the unveiling were members of the jury led by the Head of the college of screeners, Dr Shaibu Husseini and Hon Steve Ayorinde. Other attendees include Victor Oswuagu, Alex O, Kingsley Omoefe, Big Tony, Lancelot Imasuen, Sola Fosudo, Ruth Jacobs, Tony Akposhere, Lord Frank, and Justice Adigogo.
The 2026 AMAA nomination saw Uganda’s ‘Slum Bomber’ and Kenya’s ‘One Woman, One Bra’ lead the list with 14 nominations each. The two films are closely followed by Nollywood’s ‘To Adaego With Love’, which secured 11.
Following closely is Daniel Etim-Effiong’s ‘The Herd’ with 10 nods and ‘Colours of Fire’ with nine nominations.
Nigerian film stars including Daniel Etim-Effiong, Osas Ighodaro, Toyin Abraham, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe and Wale Ojo got nominations in different categories.
Etim-Effiong stood out with three nominations in categories including ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Debut Feature’ and ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’, while Osas Ikponyon was nominated for ‘Best Young/Promising Actor’ for her role in ‘Evi’.
For the ‘Best Film’ category, nine entries from six African countries will compete, including Nigeria’s ‘To Adaego With Love’ and ‘The Herd’, South Africa’s ‘The Trek’ and ‘Ben Made It’, and Ghana’s ‘The Fisherman’.
