The glitz, the glamour, and the prestige of Africa’s biggest night in cinema have been declared for 2026. Africa Magic, in collaboration with MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, has formally declared the call for entries open for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Starting from Sunday, January 11, until Sunday, February 15, filmmakers, actors, and technicians from every corner of the continent are invited to submit their best works to vie for the coveted golden statuette.

As the flagship initiative of MultiChoice, the AMVCA has spent over a decade cementing its status as the “African Oscars,” rewarding exceptional storytelling and providing a global stage for Nollywood and its sister industries across the continent. This year’s edition, headlined by lead sponsor, Don Julio, promises to elevate that legacy by blending premium craftsmanship with a celebration of African cultural excellence.

In a strategic move to deepen its pan-African footprint and honour the continent’s linguistic diversity, the 12th AMVCA is expanding its reach into new territories. For the first time, the awards will feature dedicated indigenous language categories for regions previously underrepresented in this specific format: Best Indigenous Language, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa.

These additions complement the existing categories for Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Swahili, reflecting a commitment to cultural preservation. By including the creative voices of North and Central Africa, the organizers aim to ensure that the AMVCA is a truly equitable representation of the continent’s vast storytelling landscape.

The 12th edition will feature a total of 32 categories. To maintain a balance between professional critique and popular appeal, the awards are structured as follows: 18 jury-decided categories: Judged by a panel of industry experts based on technical merit, directing, and acting; 11 audience-voted categories: Where fans across Africa hold the power to choose their favourites; two for Lifetime Achievement and the highly anticipated Trailblazer Award for a rising star who has made a significant impact within the year.

Filmmakers should note that only works broadcast or publicly screened between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, are eligible for entry. Feature-length films must have been exhibited in cinemas, on linear television, or via recognised streaming platforms to qualify for consideration.

While the entry phase is just beginning, the climax is already set for May 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. Known as much for its iconic red-carpet fashion as for its awards, the AMVCA has become a cultural phenomenon that dictates trends in African style and creative expression.

Industry insiders expect a surge in submissions this year, particularly with the rise of high-budget streaming originals and the resurgence of cinema culture across West and East Africa.

All submissions must be completed online via the official AMVCA portal. Creators are required to upload full preview copies of their work as they were originally screened or broadcast. As the countdown to May begins, the 12th AMVCA stands as a testament to the growth of an industry that no longer just ‘shows potential’ but is actively competing on the global stage. (Nigerian Tribune)