The countdown to one of Africa’s biggest nights in film and television has officially begun. Organizers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have confirmed that the AMVCA 2026 nominees will be unveiled on Sunday, March 29, at 7 PM WAT. The live announcement will air across Africa Magic channels, with award-winning actor Chimezie Imo stepping in as host.
“The spotlight is on… and it’s time to get to know your nominees,” the organizers shared on the awards’ official social media platforms. The reveal marks a pivotal moment ahead of the main ceremony, scheduled to take place in Lagos this May.
The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards brings significant expansions. This year’s event features 32 award categories, including 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and special honors for Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer recipients.
For the first time, the awards will celebrate indigenous language content from North and Central Africa, introducing categories for Best Indigenous Languag, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa. These additions reflect a commitment to Pan-Africanism and cultural preservation, ensuring that creative voices from every corner of the continent receive recognition.
Filmmakers and content creators submitted their works earlier this year, with the entry window running from January 11 to February 15, 2026 . Eligible productions were those publicly screened or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2025, including feature-length films shown in cinemas, on television, or streaming platforms.
Premium brand Don Julio returns as the lead sponsor, backing an event that has become Africa’s most prestigious celebration of screen excellence. With the nominee reveal just days away, anticipation is building across the continent for what promises to be another unforgettable evening celebrating African creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
