The 2025 AMVCAs Are Here, And the Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is back and bigger than ever. Set for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, this 11th edition of the awards spans four days, from May 7 through May 10, celebrating the full spectrum of African storytelling, fashion, culture, and music. One exciting addition this year? A brand-new category: Best Music Score, finally giving credit to the composers and sound designers who help shape the emotional tone of African cinema.

But here’s what really has fans talking: the nominations list. This year, a handful of actors and actresses who have never taken home an AMVCA trophy have finally earned nominations. For others, the snubs just keep coming. So, in the spirit of giving flowers where they’re due, we’re highlighting notable Nollywood stars who, surprisingly, have yet to win an AMVCA. Some are finally getting a shot in 2025. Others?

Uzor Arukwe

Best known for his charismatic roles in Sugar Rush, Smash, Hire a Woman, and Size 12, Uzor Arukwe has been turning in strong performances for years. In 2020, he was nominated twice—once in the comedy category and again in drama—but went home empty-handed. He’s now back with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Suspicion. With consistent performances in both film and television, Arukwe remains one of the industry’s most dependable actors who deserves a win.

Chioma Akpotha

Chioma Akpotha began her career in the early 2000s and quickly became a household name with films like On Bended Knees and Games Men Play. With a rich catalog and powerful on-screen presence, it’s almost shocking that she’s never been an AMVCA winner. She has finally been nominated in 2025 for Best Lead Actress for Seven Doors, a film that has already picked up buzz across the industry. It could finally be the year she gets her flowers from the Academy.

Iretiola Doyle

A force in both classic and contemporary Nollywood, Ireti Doyle brings poise and gravitas to her roles. She’s known for standout performances in Fifty, The Arbitration, and most recently The Origin: Madam Koi Koi, which got her a nomination in 2024. This year, she’s nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in All’s Fair in Love. While she’s received recognition, an actual AMVCA win has always remained out of reach, making her a sentimental favorite for 2025.

Adedimeji Lateef

Adedimeji Lateef is one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for seamlessly shifting between comedy, drama, and historical epics. From his breakout in Kudi Klepto to critically acclaimed roles in Ayinla and Progressive Tailors Club, Lateef has long captured audiences but remained absent from the AMVCA winners’ list. In 2025, he makes his debut in the nominations with Lisabi: The Uprising, scoring nods for Best Lead Actor and Best Indigenous Film (West Africa). For many fans, this recognition is long overdue.

Ini Edo

From her early breakout in the early 2000s to her co-production and role in 2023’s Shanty Town, Ini Edo has maintained longevity and relevance. Despite several performances that received audience and industry praise, she has never won an AMVCA. Her role in Shanty Town (the film alone garnering 10 nominations) sparked online discussions about her being snubbed yet again in 2023. Still, she’s widely seen as overdue for a win.

Bimbo Akintola

With a career dating back to the ’90s, Bimbo Akintola has starred in some of Nollywood’s most iconic productions. Her role in 93 Days was BAFTA-worthy, and her recent performance in The Black Book earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination in 2024. However, she still hasn’t claimed an AMVCA trophy. With the short film, Freedom Way, which she played a role, she still doesn’t get a nomination. Given her commanding performances and industry respect, she’s frequently mentioned among those who deserve to be honored.

Uche Jombo

An actress, producer, and writer, Uche Jombo was a key player in early 2000s Nollywood with films like Games Women Play, Lies Men Tell, and Damage. Despite this, she has never been nominated for or won an AMVCA. Many argue she has contributed just as much behind the scenes as she has in front of the camera, and a nomination feels overdue.

Patience Ozokwor

Known affectionately as “Mama G,” Patience Ozokwor is a legend in Nollywood. Though she received the AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2023, she has never won a competitive award category. Considering her impact on the portrayal of villainous and comedic mother figures in African cinema, her absence from competitive wins feels like a gap the awards have yet to fill.

Joke Silva

An industry matriarch, Joke Silva was nominated in 2024 but has never won a competitive AMVCA award. With decades of acting, producing, and mentoring under her belt, she is considered one of the most distinguished figures in Nollywood. A win for her would be a win for the culture.

Adunni Ade

A Nigerian-American actress known for her roles in both Yoruba and English-language films, Adunni Ade shone in 2021’s Soólè. Despite critical acclaim, the film was overlooked by the AMVCAs. She has yet to receive any nomination, making her one of the most prominent contemporary actresses still waiting for AMVCA recognition.

Who Are You Rooting For?

Now that some of Nollywood’s most consistent talents are finally in the AMVCA spotlight, we want to hear from you: Who do you think deserves a win this year? For those still without nominations, are you still rooting for them?

Who did we miss that should have made this list?Join the conversation and get ready for the big night: Saturday, May 10, 2025. The 11th edition of the AMVCA promises surprises, celebration, and hopefully some long overdue wins.

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