Nollywood wins at AMVCA 2016

The Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, at the weekend re-affirmed its leadership of the continent’s motion picture industry at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

At the event held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nollywood cleared all major categories in the continental award ceremony that brought together stakeholders in the movie industries from different parts of Africa.

Hosted by Nigeria’s IK Osakioduwa and South Africa’s Minnie Dlamini, the ceremony, which ended with an after party, saw Stephanie Linus’ Dry win Best Overall Movie, beating Adam Abel and Garrett Batty’s Freetown, Sara Blecher’s Ayanda, Akin Omotosho’s Tell Me Something Sweet, Ishaya Bako’s Road To Yesterday and Juliet Asante’s Silverain. Nollywood’s Adesua Etomi got Best Actress in a Movie/Drama/TV Series for her role in Falling, Best Actor In A Movie/Drama/TV Series went to Daniel K. Daniel for his performance in A Soldier’s Story, while the Best Director award went to Akin Omotosho for Tell Me Something Sweet.

Also, Ariyike Oladipo clinched Best Television Series Award with Daddy’s Girls, Best Short Film or Online Video Award went to Oluseyi Amuwafo for A Day With Death, while Best Lighting Designer (Movies/TV) went to Stanley Ohikhuare for the movie Common Man. For her work in Dry, Uche Nancy got Best Costume Designer award, Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Hausa) went to Salisu Balarebe for Dandi Kowa, while Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Yoruba) was clinched by Binta Ofege.

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Igbo) went Paul Igwe for Usekwu Igbo, Remi Vaughan won Best Documentary with Faaji Agba, while Best Supporting Actor In A Movie went to Sambassa Nzeriba for his role in A Soldier’s Story. Tunbosun Aiyedihin won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Before 30, Best Actor In A Comedy went to Folarin ‘Falz The Bahd Guy’ Falana for his role in Jenifa’s Diary, Funke Akindele won Best Actress In A Comedy for her movie Jenifa’s Diary.

Nollywood also got the Trail Blazer Award through Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, while AMVCA 2016 Industry Merit Awards were presented to the duo of Bukky Ajayi and Sadiq Daba for their roles in shaping the motion picture industry in Africa.

Meanwhile, Road To Yesterday, a collaborative effort by Genevieve Nnaji, Chinny Onwugbenu and Chichi Nwoko, was voted Best Movie (West Africa).

While receiving her award, veteran actress, Bukky Ajayi, who got a standing ovation from the audience, gave an emotional speech as tears rolled down her cheeks. The octogenarian, who was on a wheelchair, thanked the organisers for the honour done to her, urging practitioners to embrace peace.

Also, both Stephanie Linus and Kemi Lala Akindoju were presented with keys to brand new Sports Utility Vans (SUVs) at the event, which was spiced with comedy and music performances from the likes of Flavour, Yemi Alade and others.