AMVCA 2026: All the movie stars and fashion icons who stole the show at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards – BBC News Africa

It is often described as the biggest African evening dedicated to cinema and fashion.

Celebrities, filmmakers and designers descended on the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Nigeria, sporting spectacular trains, sculptural gowns, shimmering fabrics and highly theatrical outfits that once again transformed this event, beyond a simple awards ceremony, into a real fashion spectacle.

Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the annual ceremony honors achievements in African cinema, television and digital storytelling, while serving as one of the continent’s greatest cultural showcases, with celebrities vying for the title from the most elegant to winning prizes.

This year, the red carpet focused on an excessive fashion display.

Several celebrities arrived with a suite that helped them carry imposing outfits through the crowds of photographers and screaming fans.

Here is an overview of the appearances and the most commented moments of the evening.

Reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang made her entrance in one of the most notable outfits of the evening: a dress made from more than 500 loaves of bread, according to her.

Surrounded by two young ladies carrying trays of bread and several assistants responsible for helping her wear her outfit on the red carpet, Atang had difficulty moving freely.

In an interview with the BBC, she explained that the outfit was designed to promote her baking business and insisted it was a deliberate marketing strategy rather than an attempt to shock.

“What better place than AMVCA to promote my business? “, she declared.

The dress was designed by the iconic Toyin Lawan, of Tiannah’s Empire, who said on Instagram that she was starting a new trend: “Let everyone wear their business.”

This look immediately became one of the most commented on topics of the evening on social networks.

Some fans on social media praised the creation, calling it “a true embodiment of the phrase ‘wearing your business on your head’.”

However, not all fans were impressed. Some felt the display was a waste of food, an accusation the reality star denied.

Ghanaian fashion star Nana Akua Addo lived up to her reputation for creating spectacular looks at the AMVCAs by sporting an architecturally-lined silver dress inspired by Cologne Cathedral, Germany.

The tightly structured outfit featured hand-painted stained glass details, cathedral-shaped extensions and matching silver accessories, while members of her team helped her with parts of the dress.

Its creator, Abasswoman, told the BBC that the creative process began in November 2025 and was only completed two days before the ceremony.

According to her team, the outfit was inspired by the architecture of the famous cathedral, with the dress intended to reflect both grandeur and craftsmanship.

Nigerian actress Uche Montana arrived wearing a spectacular outfit adorned with red and gold feathers, which she described as symbolizing “fire” and “the rebirth of the phoenix.”

Her hands decorated with encrusted red stones, the actress told the BBC that this look had been in preparation since the beginning of the year.

While refusing to reveal the exact amount, she said she spent “a lot” to bring the look to life, adding that one of the biggest misconceptions about celebrity glamor is that stars are fully dressed and styled for free by brands.

“These looks take a lot of financial and mental effort,†she said.

Her appearance capped a memorable evening for the actress, who also received the AMVCA Trailblazer Award, a non-voting category recognizing emerging talent making a significant impact on the industry.

Beyond the fashion show, one of the most moving moments of the evening was the award for best supporting actor to actor Bucci Franklin for his interpretation of the character “Oboz” in “To Kill a Monkey”.

Franklin plays a strong-willed and fiercely loyal cybercrime boss, whose character is deeply rooted in the identity of the streets of Benin. To prepare for this role, he looked at Beninese influencers, music and the intricacies of the dialect, elements that many viewers praised for their realism.

This performance deeply touched many spectators, especially in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, because of the identity of the character.

Speaking to the BBC after his victory, Franklin said that although the role had nothing to do with his true personality, he was happy to have accepted it.

He dedicated this award to his mother, whom he lost seven days before the film’s release.

“To Kill a Monkey” also won the award for best cinematography.

Linda Ejiofor emerged as one of the big winners of the evening, making AMVCA history by becoming the first person to win both Best Lead Actress for “The Serpent’s Gift” and Best Supporting Actress for “The Herd.”

Speaking after her win, she told the BBC that she hoped to win at least one award, but added that her husband had tried to reassure her before the ceremony that she could walk away with both awards.

It turned out he was right.

Ejiofor paid tribute to his family as he recalled his victories, describing the moment as deeply moving and recounting how his mother reviewed her Igbo pronunciations to help her perfect her game until she felt comfortable in her role.

“My Father’s Shadow” continued its series of international distinctions. He emerged as one of the big winners of the evening, winning the awards for best film, best director and best screenplay.

Made by Akinola Davies Jr, the films featured in the productions such as « The Herd », « The Serpent’s Gift » and « Gingerrr ».

This film, which deals with memories linked to estrangement and the loss of paternal love, made history and was hailed internationally as the first Nigerian film to appear in the official selection of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025.

It was released in cinemas in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Elsewhere, Uzor Arukwe won the Best Actor award for “Colours of Fire,” and industry veterans Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Kanayo O Kanayo described his outfit as “an explosive mix of ‘Godfather’ style, old family money and tailored mafia.”

He was dressed by Prinz Innovation to reflect his on-screen persona, both rich and elegant.

Nigerian actor Stan Nze, known for his portrayal of Igbo culture, was dressed in a black outfit and held his traditional engraved fan, made from horsehide, which is his trademark.

Reality TV star and actor Tobi Bakre brought a royal Yoruba touch to the red carpet, wearing a traditional agbada designed by Deji and Kola and carrying a custom-made brass staff.

Nollywood actress and producer Monica Friday revealed the flags of seven countries, including that of Iran, embroidered on her purple ball gown. She described her outfit as a tribute to “a bleeding world” and a call for peace.

Actress Osas Ighodaro has won the “Best Dressed” award at the AMVCAs for several years, although that category was removed this year; her outfits on the red carpet are, however, always highly anticipated in Nollywood. She caused a sensation in this flowing silver corset dress by Veekee James, adorned with hundreds of stones and crystals.

Digital designers also hit the red carpet, resplendent in their sophisticated outfits and sculpted dresses.

Reality TV star OJ Posharella makes a splash on the red carpet with a giant bow on her head, looking resplendent in the colorful, multi-layered outfit she designed herself.

With contributions from Chimezie UcheAgbo.

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