Africa Magic announces AMVCA 2026 nominees in Lagos as Chimezie Imo hosts live reveal programme for fans across the continent

Excitement is building in the African entertainment world as organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) confirmed that nominees for the 2026 edition will be unveiled on Sunday, March 29.

The announcement came via the awards’ official social media channels, sparking anticipation among fans and industry professionals alike.

Nollywood actor Chimezie Imo has been named host for the nominee reveal programme, promising a lively and engaging event.

Fans are encouraged to tune in live at 7 PM WAT on Africa Magic channels to see who will be in the running for the 12th edition of Africa’s premier film and television awards.

Celebrating African Film and Television Excellence

Since its inception, the AMVCA has sought to spotlight the very best of African cinema and TV.

Organised by MultiChoice in partnership with Canal+, the awards provide a platform to celebrate creativity across the continent.

Entries for the 12th edition opened on January 11, 2026, and closed on February 15, with submissions eligible if they were publicly screened or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Feature-length films needed to have been shown in cinemas, on linear television, or streamed online to qualify.

This ensures that nominated works have reached audiences and made a tangible impact on the African entertainment landscape.

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Expanded Categories Highlight Africa’s Diversity

The 2026 edition of the AMVCA introduces exciting new categories, including Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa.

These additions reflect the organisers’ commitment to Pan-Africanism and cultural preservation, ensuring voices from across the continent are heard and celebrated.

In total, the awards will feature 32 categories, divided into 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted prizes, and special recognitions like Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.

This combination continues to balance expert evaluation with fan engagement, making the AMVCA both prestigious and inclusive.

Impact and Consequences

The AMVCA plays a significant role in shaping African entertainment.

By recognizing diverse creative talent:

• Filmmakers and actors gain international visibility, often leading to new opportunities and collaborations.
• Indigenous language content receives encouragement and investment, helping to preserve cultural heritage.
• Industry standards are elevated, as creatives aspire to higher production quality and storytelling excellence.

Conversely, failure to recognize emerging voices or regions can inadvertently limit exposure for deserving talent, reinforcing existing inequalities in the industry.

Expanding categories and audience participation helps mitigate this risk.

What’s Next?

With the nominee reveal set for March 29, fans and industry insiders are eagerly speculating about potential winners.

Following the announcement, attention will shift to the awards ceremony, scheduled for May 2026 in Lagos, which promises glitz, glamour, and a showcase of Africa’s finest cinematic and television achievements.

Expect live performances, celebrity appearances, and opportunities for networking that could shape the careers of emerging stars and established actors alike.

Summary

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is shaping up to be a landmark event, celebrating excellence, diversity, and Pan-African culture.

With new categories, a strong commitment to inclusivity, and a high-profile nominee reveal hosted by Chimezie Imo, the AMVCA continues to cement its position as Africa’s premier entertainment awards.

Bulleted Takeaways

• AMVCA 2026 nominees announced live on March 29 at 7 PM WAT on Africa Magic channels
• Nollywood actor Chimezie Imo hosts the nominee reveal programme
• Entries accepted from films and TV content screened/broadcast in 2025
• 32 award categories including jury-decided, audience-voted, and special recognition awards
• New Indigenous Language categories for North and Central Africa highlight Pan-African inclusivity
• Ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria in May 2026
• AMVCA boosts visibility for African talent, promotes cultural preservation, and raises industry standards