Organizers of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have announced the close of voting for the 2026 edition, bringing an end to weeks of public participation across different categories.
The awards ceremony, which is one of the biggest events in Africa’s film and television industry, is scheduled to hold on May 9, with winners set to be unveiled during a live broadcast.
In a message shared on Sunday, Africa Magic thanked viewers across the continent for taking part in the voting process, especially in categories where fans played a direct role in deciding the winners.
“And that’s a wrap! Voting for #AMVCA12 is officially closed. Thank you for showing up, showing love, and backing your favourites all the way,” the organisers said.
They added that attention will now shift to the awards night, where the final results will be announced. “Now we wait to see who takes home the wins on May 9th,” the statement said.
According to the organisers, the ceremony will be broadcast live on Africa Magic channels, making it accessible to millions of viewers across Africa. The red carpet segment is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. West African Time, while the main awards show will start at 7:00 p.m.
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, commonly known as AMVCA, celebrates outstanding achievements in film, television, and digital content across Africa. Since its launch, the event has grown into a major platform that recognises talent both in front of and behind the camera.
The 2026 edition marks the 12th instalment of the awards and features a total of 32 categories. These include 18 categories decided by a panel of judges, 11 determined by audience votes, and three special honours.
The special awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award, which are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry.
Organizers also introduced two new categories this year: Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa). The addition is part of efforts to promote cultural diversity and give more regions of the continent a stronger presence in the awards.
The list of nominees for this year’s awards includes some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, often referred to as Nollywood. Among them are Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale and Bisola Aiyeola.
These actors, along with many others from across Africa, are competing in various categories that highlight excellence in acting, directing, writing, and production.
Over the years, Nollywood has grown into one of the largest film industries in the world, producing hundreds of movies annually and providing employment for thousands of people. Events like the AMVCA play an important role in promoting the industry and encouraging higher standards of production.
For many actors and filmmakers, winning an AMVCA award is considered a major achievement. It not only brings recognition but can also open doors to new opportunities within and outside Africa.
Fans also play a key role in the awards through audience-voted categories. These categories often generate excitement on social media, with supporters campaigning for their favourite actors and films.
This year was no different, as fans а participated in the voting process, showing strong support for nominees across different platforms.
With voting now officially closed, the focus has shifted to the final preparations for the awards night. Organisers are expected to deliver a glamorous event featuring performances, fashion displays, and appearances by top celebrities.
The red carpet segment, in particular, is known for showcasing bold and creative fashion choices, often setting trends and sparking conversations online.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the AMVCA also serves as a reflection of the progress and challenges within Africa’s entertainment industry. It provides a platform to celebrate achievements while also encouraging growth and innovation.
As May 9 approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans, nominees, and industry stakeholders. Many are eager to see who will emerge as winners in the various categories.
For now, the message from organisers is clear: the voting phase is over, and the final decision lies ahead.
When the curtains rise on the awards night, all eyes will be on the stage as Africa’s brightest stars gather to celebrate talent, creativity, and excellence in storytelling.