The 21st Annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) ceremony was held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Center, Ikeja GRA, Lagos State, where leading figures in African cinema were honored for their outstanding contributions to the continent’s film industry.
Among the most distinguished honorees were Nigerian actor Lateef Adedimeji, veteran actress Tina Mba, and the multilingual feature film 3 Cold Dishes, co-produced by Afrobeats artist Damini Ogulu (professionally known as Burna Boy) and actress Osas Ighodaro.
The film 3 Cold Dishes earned the NFVCB Award for Best Nigerian Film, as well as Best Young/Promising Actor for Ruby Akubueze. The production, which traverses narratives across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Benin, explores the intersecting lives of three women who reunite years after surviving human trafficking to exact justice upon their abusers.
Lateef Adedimeji was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Lisabi: The Uprising, while Tina Mba received the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her portrayal in The Serpent Gift.
The five-hour ceremony, organized by the Africa Film Academy (AFA), commenced with a musical performance by the Ebony Band and featured a diverse lineup of artistic showcases, including a short stage play starring Pete Edochie and Tony Umez.
In his opening address, Mr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, Chief Executive Officer of the AFA, commended African filmmakers for elevating indigenous storytelling to global standards, stating:
“We salute Nollywood and all creatives whose accomplishments have earned African cinema international recognition. Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in collaboration, not competition.”
The six-member AMAA Jury presented 26 awards across various categories including acting, directing, cinematography, and technical achievements, celebrating excellence across the African continent.
South Africa’s The Heart Is a Muscle emerged as the Best Film of the Year, also securing awards for Cinematography, Editing, and Best Debut Feature for director Imran Hamdulay.
Similarly, Burkina Faso’s Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions earned accolades for Best Film in an African Language, Best Screenplay, and Best Costume Design, further solidifying its reputation as one of the continent’s cinematic highlights.
Musical performances by Made Kuti, Rizyn Band, and DJ Kenchello complemented the evening’s proceedings, with Kuti’s rendition of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Palava serving as a cultural tribute.
A solemn memorial segment was also observed in honor of African film practitioners who passed away between January and November 2025.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Bukky Wright, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Lancelot Imasuen, Jide Achufusi, and former Lagos State Commissioner, Uzamat Yusuf, among others.
Complete List of Award Recipients
NFVCB Award for Best Nigerian Film: 3 Cold Dishes
Best Young/Promising Actor: Ruby Akubueze – 3 Cold Dishes
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Clemento Ashietey – Last Stop
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Tina Mba – The Serpent Gift
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Florence Mariserena – Small Gods
Best Debut Feature Film by a Director: The Heart Is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay
Best Director: Dany Kouyaté – Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso
Best Film: The Heart Is a Muscle – South Africa
Best Film in an African Language: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso
Eferé Ozako Award for Best Short Film: The Missing Piece – Kenya
Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation: Dawn – Cameroon
Best Documentary: The Journey East – Democratic Republic of Congo
Best Diaspora Short: Cartes – United States
Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad: Ancestral Visions of the Future – Lesotho/France/Germany
Achievement in Costume Design: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions
Achievement in Sound: Algiers
Best Diaspora Documentary: Rediscovering Fenon – USA/Algeria/Martinique
Best Diaspora Narrative Feature: Romeo N Juliet 4EVA – Jamaica
Achievement in Production Design: 3 Cold Dishes
Achievement in Make-up: Lisabi: The Uprising
Achievement in Soundtrack: Old Righteous Blues
Achievement in Visual Effects: For Land, For Love, For Power
Achievement in Cinematography: The Heart Is a Muscle
Achievement in Editing: The Heart Is a Muscle
Achievement in Screenplay: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso.#newsafro_
