Jackie Appiah takes home Best Actress at the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2024 as African film talent is celebrated in a grand Lagos ceremony.

[dropcap][/dropcap]In a night marked by star-studded performances and African cinematic excellence, the 20th annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) crowned Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah as the Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Held on Saturday, 2 November at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, the prestigious event celebrated the continent’s finest in film, bringing together top filmmakers, actors, and industry figures from across Africa and beyond.

Also read: AMAA 2023: Tobi Bakre, Nse Ikpe Etim, others win big at 19th edition

Appiah earned her award for her captivating role in Red Carpet, marking a career milestone for the beloved actress.

The AMAA Best Film honour went to The Weekend, a Nigerian production directed by Daniel Oriahi, which also received accolades for Best Achievement in Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

The film’s success at the awards reflects the rising prominence of Nigerian cinema in the global industry.

South African director Jahmil X.T. Qubeka received the Best Director award for The Queenstown Kings, a Netflix sports drama praised for its powerful storytelling and dynamic cinematography.

Jagun Jagun, another standout film, saw Femi Adebayo awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ogundiji and claimed awards for Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects, showcasing the film’s high production value.

The night featured a mix of awards and performances that highlighted the diversity of African talent. Legendary Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti, alongside Yinka Davies, performed to an audience of over 700 attendees, including cultural leaders and creative professionals.

Guests also enjoyed performances by pan-African artists such as Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi, adding energy to the evening.

Organised by the Africa Film Academy (AFA), AMAA remains Africa’s most prestigious film awards platform, celebrating excellence in filmmaking and promoting African stories.

AMAA CEO Dr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe emphasised the significance of unity among African creatives and expressed the Academy’s commitment to honouring the legacy of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a pioneering figure in African cinema who passed away last year.

“The legacy of Peace lives on in AMAA,” Dr. Anyiam-Osigwe noted, pledging to continue fostering partnerships and enhancing opportunities for African creatives on the global stage.

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy of Nigeria, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, led the dignitaries at the event.

The five-hour celebration of African cinema underscored the industry’s achievements and served as a platform to spotlight emerging talents and established stars alike.

Complete List of AMAA 2024 Winners

Among the standout winners were:

1- Best Short Film: The Last Shoe Maker (Uganda)
2- Best Animation: CounterPunch (Kenya)
3- Best Documentary: The Night Still Smells of Gun Powder (Mozambique)
4- Best Film in an African Language: The Queenstown Kings (South Africa)
5- Best Film by an African Living Abroad: Under The Hanging Tree (Namibia/UK)
6- Best Young/Promising Actor: Michelle Lemuya in Nawi
7- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Zolixa Xaluva in The Queenstown Kings
8- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Elsie Chidera Abang in Kipkemboi
9- Best Debut Feature Film by a Director: Letters To Goddo by Harry Bentil

With 26 awards in total, this year’s AMAAs not only showcased established talents but also introduced promising new artists, marking a triumphant year for African cinema.