AMVCA 2026 nominee announcement set for March 29 as organisers unveil host and expand categories for African film awards

Organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have announced that nominees for the 2026 edition will be unveiled on Sunday, March 29, marking a key milestone ahead of the continent’s most anticipated film and television awards.

Also read: AMVCA 2026 opens entries for Africa’s top film awards

The announcement was made via the awards’ official social media platforms, with Nollywood actor Chimezie Imo confirmed as host of the nominee reveal programme scheduled to air live at 7pm WAT on Africa Magic channels.

“The spotlight is on and it’s time to get to know your nominees,” the organisers said, signalling the start of the awards season build-up.

The AMVCA 2026 nominee announcement follows the release of submission guidelines earlier in January, which outlined the awards’ continued focus on recognising excellence in African film and television.

Organised by MultiChoice in partnership with Canal+, the awards aim to celebrate creativity across the continent while expanding representation.

Entries for the 12th edition opened on January 11 and closed on February 15, 2026, with eligible works including films and television productions publicly screened or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Feature-length films were required to have been exhibited in cinemas, on linear television, or on streaming platforms to qualify for consideration.

The 2026 edition will feature 32 categories, including 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and special honours such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.

In a notable development, organisers introduced new categories for Best Indigenous Language in North Africa and Central Africa, reinforcing a broader commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation.

“These additions reflect the AMVCA’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, cultural preservation, and equitable representation,” the organisers stated.

Also read: Africa Magic opens entries for AMVCA 2026 awards

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos in May 2026, bringing together leading figures from across Africa’s vibrant film and television industry.