Anticipation for the 10th AMVCAs has gathered like clouds pregnant with rain. Like the Oscars reward Hollywood’s finest, the AMVCA rewards Africa’s finest. Several contenders for the different award categories have emerged. BusinessDay (BD) dissects these categories as the award ceremony draws near.
BD will analyse the popular picks based on fan buzz while presenting a data-driven prediction for who might emerge victorious.
Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Mami Wata is BusinessDay’s pick based on critical acclaim for its innovative take on West African folklore. However, Jagun Jagun, by Femi Adebayo, is a crowd-pleaser, and fans are buzzing about its action-packed storyline.
Mami Wata (C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi) – BD pick
Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo) – Popular pick
Ijogbon (Kunle Afolayan)
Orisa (Odunlade Adekola)
Nana Akoto (Kwabena Gyansah)
Best Supporting Actor
The Best Supporting Actor battle promises to be as thrilling as the lead categories. This year’s nominees boast a range of captivating performances. Alexx Ekubo (Afamefuna) is a popular pick (both with fans and BusinessDay).
Ekubo’s role in Afamefuna has garnered praise for its perfect blend of charisma and support. Think Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker elevating Christian Bale’s Batman performance – Ekubo’s synergy with lead actor Stan Nze is undeniable.
Another popular choice is Timini Egbuson for his role in the epic A Tribe Called Judah, which excited fans.
Alexx Ekubo (Afamefuna) – popular/ BD pick
Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)
Itele d Icon (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)
Gregory Ojefua (This is Lagos)
Timini Egbuson (A Tribe Called Judah)
Levi Chikere (Blood Vessel)
Ropo Ewenla (Over the Bridge)
Best Supporting Actress
This year, the AMVCAs are celebrating women’s brilliance with a revamped Best Supporting Actress category that recognises both comedic and dramatic performances.
The nominees showcase a stunning range of talent. While Joke Silva brings her gravitas to Over the Bridge, Fan favourite Fathia Williams lights up the screen in the action-packed Jagun Jagun — The Warrior.
Both BusinessDay and the fans are captivated by Genoveva Umeh’s heartfelt performance in Breath of Life. Her ability to pour her soul into the role is genuinely remarkable.
Joke Silva (Over the Bridge)
Fathia Williams (Jagun Jagun — The Warrior)
Bimbo Akintola (The Black Book)
Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life) – BD pick/Popular pick
Eliane Umuhire (Omen)
Tana Adelana (Ijogbon — Chaos)
Ejiro Onojaife (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)
Best Lead Actor
This highly anticipated category is packed with many powerhouse performances. A fan favourite, Wale Ojo delivered a captivating performance in Breath of Life. His charisma and ability to connect with the audience captured hearts.
Our pick at BusinessDay is the talented Stan Nze. His role in Afamefuna unveiled a depth we have witnessed from the actor before and landed him the same award in the recent past.
Wale Ojo (Breath of Life) – Popular pick
Stan Nze (Afamefuna) – BD pick
Marc Zinga (Omen)
Gideon Okeke (Egun)
David Ezekiel (Blood Vessel)
Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book)
Adedimeji Lateef (Jagun Jagun — The Warrior)
Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos)
Best Lead Actress
The Best Lead Actress category brims with captivating performances. This year’s revamped category celebrates excellence in comedic and dramatic roles, creating a diverse field of contenders. Fan favorite, Ireti Doyle, brings her iconic presence to The Origin: Madam Koi Koi. Her ability to command the screen makes her a strong contender for the role.
However, our pick at BusinessDay is the multi-talented Funke Akindele. Her portrayal of Jedidah Judah, a single mother navigating the complexities of family in A Tribe Called Judah, is a testament to her versatility and emotional range. This powerful performance could be her ticket to another AMVCA win.
From comedic brilliance to dramatic depth, these actresses deliver unforgettable performances.
Segilola Ogidan (Over the Bridge)
Lucie Debay (Omen)
Omowunmi Dada (Asiri Ade)
Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi) – Popular pick
Adaobi L. Dibor (Blood Vessel)
Evelyne Ily (Mami Wata)
Kehinde Bankole (Adire)
Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah) – BD pick
Best Writing in a Movie
The AMVCAs wouldn’t be complete without recognising the masterminds behind the magic—the writers. This year’s Best Writing in a Movie category is a battle of exceptional scripts, each weaving a compelling narrative.
Crowd favourite Breath of Life, penned by BB Sasore, resonates with audiences. Its exploration of universal themes like love, loss, greed, regret, and compassion makes it a strong contender.
BusinessDay’s pick is the thought-provoking Afamefuna, written by Anyanwu Adaora. The script’s skillful use of the Igbo language and its exploration of real-life issues within the Igbo apprenticeship system make it a powerful and relevant piece of storytelling.
Breath of Life (BB Sasore) – Popular pick
Over The Bridge (Tosin Otudeko)
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola)
Jagun Jagun: The Warrior (Adebayo Tijani)
Afamefuna (Anyanwu Sandra Adaora) – BD pick
A Tribe Called Judah (Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, Collins Okoh and Akinlabi Ishola)
Mami Wata (C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi)
Best Director
The AMVCAs Best Director category, a showdown between visionary filmmakers, is highly anticipated among movie fans on the continent, and this year’s contenders are building even more anticipation.
BB Sasore’s ability to evoke emotion and create a captivating cinematic experience in ‘Breath of Life’ makes him a strong contender. However, BusinessDay’s pick is the innovative C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi.
His bold direction in Mami Wata reimagines a classic myth for a modern audience. The film’s visual aesthetics and storytelling approach puts him in the front seat for the win.
Moses Inwang (Blood Vessel)
Adebayo Tijani And Tope Adebayo (Jagun Jagun — The Warrior)
BB Sasore (Breath of Life) – Popular pick
Johnscott Enah (Half Heaven)
C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi (Mami Wata) – BD Pick
Kayode Kasum (Afamefuna)
Tolu Ajayi (Over The Bridge)
Best Movie
The AMVCAs’ spotlight will be on the most coveted award of the night – Best Movie. This year, the nominees represent the very best that Nollywood has to offer.
This could be a battle between ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘Mami Wata.’ A crowd-pleaser and our pick at BusinessDay, ‘Breath of Life’ resonates with audiences thanks to its universal themes and heartwarming narrative.
‘Mami Wata’ is a visually stunning and innovative film that reimagines a classic myth for a modern audience. While critically acclaimed and representing Nigeria at the Oscars, its art house approach might be what tips it up for the win.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Breath of Life – BD/ Popular pick
Over The Bridge
Blood Vessel
A Tribe Called Judah
The Black Book
Mami Wata
Voting officially closed on April 28, 2024, ahead of the 10th edition of the prestigious awards, which will be held from May 10 – 11th in Lagos.
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