AMAA 2026: Nollywood battles South Africa, Ghana for continental glory

Nigerian films, ‘To Adaego With Love’ and ‘The Herd’, will compete against productions from South Africa, Ghana and other African countries for the Best Film award at the 22nd Africa Movie Academy Awards.

The Africa Film Academy, organisers of the awards, announced the nominees at a ceremony held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Saturday.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on November 15, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos.

Uganda’s ‘Slum Bomber’ and Kenya’s ‘One Woman, One Bra’ lead the nominations with 14 each, followed by ‘To Adaego With Love’, which earned 11 nominations.

‘The Herd’, directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong, secured 10 nominations, while ‘Colours of Fire’ received nine.

In the Best Film category, nine entries from six African countries will compete for the prize. Nigeria is represented by To Adaego With Love and The Herd, while South Africa’s entries include The Trek and Ben Made It. Ghana’s The Fisherman is also in contention.

Several Nigerian actors and filmmakers earned nominations across different categories, including Daniel Etim-Effiong, Osas Ighodaro, Toyin Abraham, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe and Wale Ojo.

Etim-Effiong received three nominations in the Best Director, Best Debut Feature and Best Actor in a Leading Role categories. Osas Ikponyon was nominated for Best Young/Promising Actor for her performance in Evi.

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Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, congratulated the nominees, describing their recognition as an achievement regardless of the eventual winners.

He said the selections reflected the diversity of African storytelling and the contributions of filmmakers from different sub-regions of the continent.

“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,” he said.

Anyiam-Osigwe added that the nominated films demonstrated the ability of African stories to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

Among those present at the unveiling were 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.

The 22nd edition of AMAA is expected to celebrate achievements in African filmmaking, bringing together actors, directors, writers and other industry professionals from across the continent.