AMVCA 2026: Nominees with back-to-back nominations in 2025 and 2026

The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is just around the corner, Several actors, actresses, and industry professionals have achieved the rare distinction of earning major nominations across different categories in consecutive years. Being recognized in both the 2025 and 2026 AMVCA ceremonies highlights their exceptional talent, versatility, and lasting impact on African cinema, cementing their status as some of the most admired and celebrated figures in the industry.

Lateef Adedimeji’s portrayal of the Egba hero has become a defining moment in his career, keeping him firmly in the Best Lead Actor conversation for two consecutive years. At the same time, Uzor Arukwe and Femi Branch have shown remarkable range, achieving the rare feat of earning nominations in both the Lead and Supporting categories in the same year, further proving their versatility and strength as performers. Behind the scenes, Hakeem Onilogbo and Tolu Obanro are pulling the strings, having secured nominations in their respective fields in back-to-back AMVCA editions. Hakeem has effectively “locked down” the Best Makeup/Special Effects category, while Tolu has proven himself a double threat, dominating both Sound Design and Music Score simultaneously.

Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising (2025) & Lisabi: A Legend Is Born / Red Circle(2026)

Lateef Adedimeji has earned another Best Lead Actor nomination for Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, playing Lisabi, a courageous warrior who leads his people against oppression. This follows his 2025 nomination for Lisabi: The Uprising, where he first brought the story of Lisabi’s early journey to life. In that film, Adedimeji portrayed Lisabi as a determined farmer who rallies the Egba people in 18th-century Nigeria to fight for freedom, balancing strength, courage, and compassion. Both films have been praised for their vivid portrayal of Yoruba history and culture, with Adedimeji’s passionate performances at the center of their acclaim.

Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors (2025) & King of Thieves 2 (2026)

Femi Adebayo is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for King of Thieves 2. In the film, he plays a key role in a story filled with action, tradition, and power struggles. He previously won Best Lead Actor at the 2025 AMVCA for Seven Doors, where he delivered a strong and emotional performance. Femi Adebayo plays Adedunjoye in Seven Doors, a family man unexpectedly thrust into kingship. As he navigates politics and loyalty, Adebayo delivers a layered performance that captures the tension between his quiet life and the weight of leadership.

Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life (2025) & Colours of Fire (2026)

Gabriel Afolayan has earned another Best Supporting Actor nomination for Colours of Fire. The film is known for its emotional story and strong cast. Afolayan brings depth and realism to his role. In 2025, Gabriel Afolayan won Best Supporting Actor for his powerful role in Inside Life, delivering a performance that blended deep emotion with quiet strength and earned praise from audiences and critics. Known for his natural and layered acting style, he further proved his talent as Alaga in the Netflix series, where his brief but intense appearance.

Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion (2025) & Colours of Fire / Behind the Scenes (2026)

Uzor Arukwe has two nominations this year. He is up for Best Lead Actor for Colours of Fire and Best Supporting Actor for Behind the Scenes. In both films, he shows strong emotion and confidence on screen. He was also nominated in 2025 for Suspicion, a drama filled with tension and surprises. Uzor Arukwe plays Rogba, a devastated father struggling with the painful reality of his daughter’s abduction. Arukwe’s emotional performance stands out, capturing a man torn between despair and hope while adding depth to the film’s dark tone. His back-to-back nominations show how locked in Uzor Arukwe is and the unstoppable form he has right now.

Femi Branch – House of G’aa (2025) & Red Circle / Owambe Thieves (2026)

Femi Branch is nominated for his roles in Red Circle and Owambe Thieves. In Red Circle, he plays a serious role in a story about personal struggles and relationships. In Owambe Thieves, he shows his funny side in a comedy film. He was also nominated in 2025 for House of G’aa, a historical drama. Femi Branch delivers a powerful performance as Bashorun Ga’a in House of Ga’a, set in the 19th-century Oyo Empire. He portrays a ruthless man who rises to power through betrayal and violence, challenging the king and his allies. These nominations show his ability to act in both serious and funny roles.

Hakeem Onilogbo (Makeup & Special Effects) – Lisabi: The Uprising / Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre / Seven Doors (2025) & Warlord (2026)

Hakeem Onilogbo has cemented his dominance in makeup and special effects, transforming characters across genres. In AMVCA 2025, he won Best Makeup for Lisabi: The Uprising and earned nominations for Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre and Seven Doors. In AMVCA 2026, he was nominated for Best Makeup for Warlord, showcasing his continued mastery in crafting visually compelling character designs that elevate storytelling.

Tolu Obanro – Seven Doors (2025) & Gingerrr/ The Party (2026)

Tolu Obanro has become a pillar in sound and score for African cinema. In AMVCA 2025, he won Best Score/Music for Seven Doors and was part of the nominated team for Best Sound/Sound Design for the same film. In AMVCA 2026, he earned multiple nominations for Best Score/Music and Best Sound Design for Gingerrr and The Party, demonstrating his ability to create immersive soundscapes that deepen the cinematic experience.

The AMVCA 2026 nominations were announced on March 29, 2026, and the award ceremony will take place on May 9, 2026, in Lagos.

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