Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team whose unwavering dedication and hard work brought the award ceremony to fruition.
Their efforts played a crucial role in celebrating the vibrant and dynamic world of African cinema during this momentous event.
The spotlight shone brightly on Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo, who was honoured with the accolade for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his remarkable performance in the historical thriller, “Jagun Jagun.”
The 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards took place on a splendid Saturday night in Lagos, and Adebayo’s portrayal in this film captivated both audiences and critics alike.
“Jagun Jagun” not only earned Adebayo personal recognition but also stood out in the competition among the best of African cinema, garnering an impressive total of seven nominations.
This historical thriller reflects the depth and richness of African storytelling and showcases the incredible talent present within the industry.
In addition to Adebayo’s win, the film also garnered accolades for its outstanding visual effects and makeup, securing the Achievement Award in these categories.
This recognition highlights the exceptional level of craftsmanship and creative ingenuity that went into the film’s production, further solidifying its status as a significant contribution to Nollywood and the broader African film landscape.
The AMAA serves as a beacon for filmmakers, actors, and creatives across Africa, encouraging them to continue pushing boundaries and telling powerful stories that resonate with audiences.
As the curtain fell on this year’s ceremony, the excitement around African cinema’s future remained palpable, with Femi Adebayo and “Jagun Jagun” leading the charge toward even greater achievements.
Actress Elsie Abang won the ‘Best Actress in Supporting Role’ in “KIPKEMBOI”, while Michell Lemuya emerged the ‘Best Young Promising Actor’ in “NAWI”.
Also, Zolisa Xaluva won ‘Best Actor in Leading Role’ in “The Queenstown King”, while Jackie Appiah Emery ‘Best Actress in Leading Role in “Red Carpet”.
The award for best feature film by a director went to “Letters to Goddo”, by Harry Bentil, and Jahmil X.T Qubeka won the best director in “The Queenstown Kings”.
Souleymane Cissé from Mali, Nacer Khemir from Tunisia and Haile Gerima from Ethiopia bagged lifetime achievement awards.
Alain Gomis from Senegal and Gabon as well as Tsitsi Dangarembga from Zimbabwe won special recognition awards.
“The Weekend” bagged the AMAA Best Film award as it also clinched the Achievement Award in Screenplay, Achievement Award in Cinematography and the National Film and Video Censors Board Award for best Nigerian film.
“Out of Bound” won the achievement award in Production, “Boda Love” clinched the achievement award in Soundtrack, “Mai Martaba” bagged the achievement award in Costume Design while “Queenstown King” attracted the achievement award in sound.
The achievement award in editing went to “Under The Hanging Tree”.
“The Last Shoemaker,” from Uganda, won the Efere Ozako Award for best short film, Kenya’s “CounterPunch” clinched the Jubril Malafia best animation award while the best documentary went to “The Nearest Smell of Gunpowder” from Mozambique.
The Michael Anyiam-Osigwe award for best film by an African living abroad went to “Under the Hanging Tree”, from Namibia, while South Africa’s “The Queenstown King” clinched the Ousmane Sembene Award for best film in African Language.
“Outlaw Posse” won the best diaspora narrative feature, “The Wu Tang Clan Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre” clinched the best diaspora documentary while “The Neighbourhood Alert” won the best diaspora shot.
Earlier, Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, appreciated the team that made the award ceremony a reality.
Anyiam-Osigwe expressed deep gratitude to Lagos and Bayelsa states, alongside international visitors from the U.S., for their enthusiastic support of the AMAA awards.
He highlighted that AMAA is more than just a celebration of winners; it is a tribute to the excellence and richness of Africa’s heritage showcased globally.
He remarked, “As AMAA enters its second decade, a new chapter unfolds in the rich narrative of our history.”
