LAGOS, Nigeria — The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) celebrated excellence in African film and television on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Chioma Akpotha, Femi Adebayo, and Gabriel Afolayan taking top honours at a star-studded ceremony held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
The annual awards, now one of the continent’s most prestigious entertainment events, recognised standout performances across categories spanning acting, directing, writing, and technical achievement.
This year’s edition was marked by fierce competition and a celebration of both emerging and established talents in the industry.
Chioma Akpotha won Best Lead Actress for her role in Seven Doors, while Femi Adebayo took home Best Lead Actor for the same film.
Gabriel Afolayan won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Inside Life, and Mercy Aigbe claimed Best Supporting Actress for Farmer’s Bride.
The night also saw veteran actors Nkem Owoh and Sani Mu’azu receive the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to African cinema, while filmmaker Kayode Kasum was honoured with the Trailblazer Award.
In one of the most competitive categories, Freedom Way won Best Movie, edging out Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, and House of Ga’a.
The film also secured wins for Best Writing and Best Score, solidifying its status as one of the evening’s biggest winners.
Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors received widespread acclaim, earning wins in multiple categories, including Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, and Best Score, while Lisabi: The Uprising secured awards for Best Indigenous Language (West Africa), Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Art Direction.
The event featured electrifying musical performances from Johnny Drille, Fido, and rising star Kunmie, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Below is a selection of key winners from the evening:
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Best Lead Actress: Chioma Akpotha – Seven Doors
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Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
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Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life
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Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride
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Best Movie: Freedom Way
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Best Indigenous Language (West Africa): Lisabi: The Uprising – Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji
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Best Writing (Movie): Freedom Way
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Best Director: Awam Amkpa – The Man Died
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Best Cinematography: The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
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Best Short Film: Brukaci
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Best Documentary: Dundun
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Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper
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Best Scripted Series: Inside Life
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Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nigerian Idol (Season 9)
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Overall Best: Pastor Wants a Wife
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Multichoice Talent Factory: Everything Light Touches
