Stars Shine Bright at AMVCA 2025: A Night of Fashion, Fame, and Film Triumphs

The wait is over — the stars have been celebrated for their artistry. The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 10, 2025, brought together some of the continent’s finest talents, with the audience empowered to vote for their favourites. The results are in, and winners across various categories were honoured with well-deserved accolades. But before diving into the award categories and their winners, let’s take a look at the red carpet glamour that lit up the night.

What’s an event without the glitz and spectacle of the red carpet? Trust Nigerians to leave no stone unturned when it comes to dressing up and putting on a show. Renowned socialite Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, made a bold statement in a futuristic exosuit inspired by the sci-fi movie Andromeda, commanding attention with his avant-garde look. Other stars, like Big Brother Naija alum Saga, Stan Nze, Lateef Adedimeji, and Mike Afolarin, exuded elegance in sharp suits that blended classic style with modern flair.

The ladies were equally dazzling. Osas Ighodaro made a powerful statement in a traditional “Mother Earth” ensemble, while Bimbo Ademoye, Liquorose, Jessica Obasi Nze, Mercy Aigbe, Mo-Bimpe, and others graced the carpet in stunning gowns that showcased both creativity and cultural artistry.

And now to the heart of the evening — the award winners.

Lisabi: The Uprising emerged as one of the night’s standout productions, clinching three awards:

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

Best Makeup – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)

Best Art Direction – Solihull Badu Noutical and Ayanmo Yakub

The critically acclaimed Seven Doors also enjoyed major wins, with:

Best Lead Actor – Femi Adebayo

Best Lead Actress – Chioma Chukwuka

Best Original Score – Tolu Obanro

Other categories and their winners include:

• Best Movie: Freedom Way – Blessing Uzzi
• Best Lead Actor: Seven Doors – Femi Adebayo
• Best Lead Actress: Seven Doors – Chioma Chukwuka
• Best Indigenous Language (West Africa): Lisabi: The Uprising – Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade
• Best Makeup: Lisabi: The Uprising – Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)
• Best Art Direction: Lisabi: The Uprising – Solihull Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub
• Best Score/Music: Seven Doors – Tolu Obanro

Best Supporting Actor

• Winner: Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life

Best Supporting Actress

• Winner: Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride

Best Cinematography

• Winner: The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos – Leo Purman

Best Sound Design

• Winner: Suspicion – Michael Botha & Olaosebikan Okonrende

Best Editing

• Winner: Inkabi – Tongai Furusa

Best Writer (Movie)

• Winner: Freedom Way – Blessing Uzzi

Best Costume Design

• Winner: Christmas in Lagos – Adedamola Adeyemi

Best Writing (TV Series)

• Winner: Untying Kantai – Abel Mutua Musyoka

Best Documentary

• Winner: Dundun – Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi

Best Series (Scripted)

• Winner: Inside Life – Clarence Peters

Best Director

Winner: The Man Died – Awam Amkpa

Trailblazer Award: Kayode Kasum

Industry Merit Awards: Sani Mu’azu & Nkem Owoh