Somto Bisina
The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on May 20, 2023, became a memorable event as the continent gathered to honour the best in the industry.
With the highly anticipated Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix Original, Anikulapo, leading the nominations with 16 nods, along with the action thriller Brotherhood by Jade Osiberu and Shanty Town, the stage was set for a night filled with drama, surprises, and snubs.
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Shanty Town Disappointment
Despite having a significant number of nominations, Shanty Town, a captivating series, only managed to secure one win out of its 11 nominations. The absence of recognition in multiple categories left many stunned.
Chidi Mokeme’s outstanding performance in the series, deserving of the Best Actor award, went unnoticed, leaving fans and critics bewildered.
Osas Ighodaro’s Unexpected Triumph
The Best Actress category was fiercely contested, featuring seasoned performers like Nse Ikpe-Etim, as well as emerging talents like Bimbo Ademoye and Scarlet Gomez. However, it was Osas Ighodaro who emerged as the victor, surprising both the audience and herself. This unexpected win will undoubtedly spark conversations in the industry for some time to come.
READ ALSO:Osas Ighodaro Wins Best Actress At AMVCA 2023
The Trade’s Overlooked Brilliance
While Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood gained well-deserved attention and praise, another gem, The Trade, remained in the shadows. With exceptional acting, a talented cast, and compelling storytelling, The Trade had all the ingredients of a remarkable film.
Blossom Chukwujekwu’s transformative performance in the movie was hailed as his best to date. Unfortunately, despite receiving four nominations, The Trade left the ceremony empty-handed, leaving many disappointed.
Anikulapo Shines in Writing
Nollywood’s writing has often been a topic of discussion, but this year, several remarkable scripts captivated audiences.
From Diiche’s Episode 5 to Kanaani and Choke, the competition was fierce. Anikulapo, however, took home the Best Writer award, surprising many. Amidst tough competition, the film’s writing stood out, making it an unexpected winner and leaving others feeling snubbed.
The Ninth Edition’s Mixed Verdict
The overall impression of the AMVCA’s ninth edition was a mix of greatness and disappointment. Congratulations to the deserving winners, who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to African cinema.
Heartfelt recognition goes out to the “cheated” filmmakers who poured their hearts and souls into their projects, despite not receiving the acclaim they deserved. The event showcased the undeniable talent present in the industry while sparking discussions on the intricacies of recognition and award selection.
