The 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which took place on Sunday, October 29 at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, was memorable for all present. Hosted by Nancy Isime, Rahama Sadau, and Richard Ato Turkson, the glitz and awards of the AMAA would not be forgotten in a hurry. It was a star-studded event with dignitaries and film practitioners in attendance.
The big winners of the night included Tobi Bakre and Nse Ikpe Etim from Nigeria, who received awards for their roles in ‘Gangs of Lagos’ and ‘4.4.44’ respectively. While the Best Film award went to Senegal’s ‘Xalé,’ and other films like Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Anikulapo’ and CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s ‘Mami Water’ made away with awards in different categories.
One of the highlights of the event was the touching tributes to the late founder of AMAA, Peace Marie Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe, who passed away in January 2023. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, a director of the board of AFA owners of AMAA, promised to continue her legacy as he announced preparations for the 20th edition of AMAA were already underway.
Other highlights of the event was the performances by Nigeria Idol’s superstar, Zadok, and the honor bestowed on veteran actor Charles Olumo, aka Agbako, with a lifetime achievement award for his 50+ years of contribution to Nollywood.
See full list of Winners of the Academy Awards (AMAA) in various categories:
Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
– Winner: “Lions” – Ethiopia
Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation
– Winner: “Jabari” – Ghana
Best Documentary
– Winner: “Le Spectre de Boko Haram” – Cameroon
Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language
– Winner: “Anikulapo” – Nigeria
Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-born director Living Abroad
– Winner: “KOFA” – Nigeria/Canada
Best Diaspora Short Film
– Winner: “Raw Materials” – Jamaica
Best Diaspora Documentary
– Winner: “Sound of the Police” – United States
Best Diaspora Narrative Feature
– Winner: “Our Father, The Devil” – United States
Best Achievement in Production Design
– Winner: “Anikulapo” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Costume Design
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal
Best Achievement in Make-Up
– Winner: “Mami Wata” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Soundtrack
– Winner: “Fight Like a Girl” – Rwanda
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
– Winner: “Gangs of Lagos” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Sound
– Winner: “Sira” – Burkina Faso
Best Achievement in Cinematography
– Winner: “Mami Wata” – Nigeria
Best Achievement in Editing
– Winner: “Omen” – Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Best Achievement in Screenplay
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal
National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film
– Winner: “Mami Wata”
Best Young/Promising Actor
– Winner: Maleek Sanni for “Gangs of Lagos”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
– Winner: Jimmy Jean-Louis for “Rise” – United States
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
– Winner: Rokhaya Niang for “Xalé” – Senegal
Best Actor in a Leading Role
– Winner: Tobi Bakre for “Brotherhood” – Nigeria
Best Actress in a Leading Role
– Winner: Nse Ikpe-Etim for “4-4-44 (Four Four Forty-Four)” – Nigeria
Debut Feature by a Director
– Winner: Baloji for “Omen” – DRC
Best Director
– Winner: Apolline Traore for “Sira”
Best Film
– Winner: “Xalé” – Senegal
These awards celebrated excellence in African cinema and honored outstanding talent in the film industry.