The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is fast approaching, with the main event taking place on May 9.
The event is scheduled to take place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos and will be hosted by comedian Bovi and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha.
The organisers had earlier announced the appointment of veteran actress, Joke Silva, as Head Judge, succeeding Femi Odugbemi.
This year’s edition features 32 categories, comprising 18 jury-voted awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special recognition awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer honours.
The organisers also introduced two new categories — Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa) — as part of efforts to strengthen the awards’ pan-African representation.
But before the first applause and the first tearful speech, there’s a question simmering in every movie lover’s mind: which film will rise above the rest and claim the night as its own?
At an awards show where box office numbers, critical acclaim, audience votes, and jury nods all collide, the battle is fierce. Yet a few movies have already pulled ahead of the pack.
Here’s a list of 5 indigenous movies to watch out for at the 2026 AMVCA:
1. The Herd
Nine nominations. A director’s bold first step. And a story that refuses to look away.
Daniel Etim-Effiong’s debut ‘The Herd’ doesn’t just entertain, it holds a mirror to Nigeria’s bleeding wounds: insecurity and banditry.
Audiences felt it. Critics praised its cinematography and soul-stirring performances. With the most nods of any film this year, it enters the arena not just as a contender, but as a force of nature.
2. To Kill A Monkey
When Kemi Adetiba’s mini-series dropped on Netflix, the internet lost its cool. And it never quite recovered.
‘To Kill A Monkey’ was more than a show, it was a conversation starter, a suspense machine, and a showcase for Bucci Franklin’s chilling, unforgettable turn as “Oboz”.
That role alone sparked thousands of tweets, reviews, and debates. Expect the AMVCA stage to echo that buzz.
3. Behind The Scenes
Five nods or fifty, this is the elephant in the room.
Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ is the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. Its story is relatable, its cultural ripple is enormous, and its audience love is unwavering. Even with fewer nominations than its rivals, it would be no shock to see it leave Eko Hotel with gold in hand.
4. My Father’s Shadow
Before it even arrives at the AMVCA, this film already has international bragging rights.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ recently won ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer’ at the 79th British Academy Film Awards.
Armed with seven nominations and a reputation for emotional heft and masterful storytelling, it now returns home hungry for more glory. Don’t bet against it.
5. Gingerrr
Nine nominations. A genre-bending blend of comedy and crime. And a cast packed with fan favourites: Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Wunmi Toriola.
‘Gingerr’ crackles with unpredictability. It makes you laugh, then holds you at the edge of your seat. If the night has a wild card — a film that could sprint away with a handful of statues — this is it.
Honourable mentions include: ‘Colours Of Fire’, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ and ‘Lisabi: A Legend Is Born’.
This News Article was culled from Cable Lifestyle, original post available here: https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/5-films-to-look-out-for-at-2026-amvca/