The 16th edition of the prestigious Best of Nollywood BON Awards took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State. Hosted by acclaimed actress Toyin Abraham, the ceremony was a night to remember, with stars from the Nigerian film industry gathering to celebrate excellence in filmmaking, acting, and other cinematic achievements.

The 2024 BON Awards was marked by glamour, with an array of nominees, presenters, and honorees.

Top Performers and Key Wins

Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun emerged as the biggest winner of the night, clinching a total of six awards from its impressive 12 nominations. The film won in the following categories:

Best Indigenous Film
Best Actor (Femi Adebayo)
Best Production Design
Best Special Effects
Best Costume
Director of the Year (Bayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami)

Other Notable Wins and Nominations

Beyond Jagun Jagun, other films and talents were celebrated during the evening. Here’s a breakdown of the other list of winners:

Best Cinematography: Adire
Best Social Message: Unleashed
Best Short Film: Out of Many
Best Actress: Wunmi Dada (Unknown Soja)
Best Supporting Actor: Keppy Ekpenyong (The Weekend)
Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy)
Best Editing: Momiwa
Best Soundtrack: Oloku Ada
Best Sound: Offshoot
Best Use of Food: Nwanyi Abacha
Best Child Actress: Darasimi Nadi (Unknown Soja)
Best Child Actor: Nifemi Lawal
Most Promising Actress: Chioma Okafor
Most Promising Actor: Ozechi Franklin Izuchuchukwu
Best Screenplay: Momiwa
Best Kiss: Halima Ganiyu & David Akande (Eti Keta)
Best Documentary: Is It Your Money?

Special Mentions and Honours

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Kanayo O. Kanayo, being recognized for his enduring contribution to Nollywood. The award was presented by Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, who praised Kanayo’s career, spanning decades, and his invaluable impact on the Nigerian film industry.

Emerging Talent

The evening also celebrated the future of Nollywood, with rising stars taking home awards in various categories:

Most Promising Actress: Chioma Okafor
Most Promising Actor: Ozechi Franklin Izuchuchukwu

Both Okafor and Izuchuchukwu have been making waves in Nollywood, showcasing their talents in projects that have earned them critical acclaim.

Documentary and Special Mentions

The Best Documentary award went to Is It Your Money?, a thought-provoking piece that delves into Nigeria’s economic landscape. Meanwhile, Momiwa, a film that also picked up several awards including Best Editing and Best Screenplay, continued its success from the film’s earlier releases.

Event Highlights

The event also featured memorable moments such as performances and speeches from industry leaders. Among the most memorable moments was the stirring speech by Kanayo O. Kanayo as he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and urged young filmmakers to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in Nigerian cinema.

Closing Remarks

As the night came to a close, the BON Awards once again celebrated the diverse talents, creative visions, and cultural contributions of Nollywood.