The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2025, held on May 10 at Eko Hotel in Lagos, showcased the powerful fusion of creativity and commerce in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. This year’s standout winners, like Seven Doors, Lisabi: The Uprising, and Freedom Way, are not just dominating awards but also making major strides in revenue generation, streaming popularity, and cinema attendance. These films reflect how Nollywood’s blend of authentic storytelling, high production quality, and digital reach is reshaping Nigeria’s entertainment economy and setting new benchmarks for success across the African continent. As these award-winning titles continue to trend on platforms like Netflix, Showmax, Prime Video, they’re proving that Nigerian cinema is both culturally vital and globally bankable.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- AMVCA 2025 Winners: Complete List of Awards and Nollywood’s Top Talent
- How AMVCA 2025’s Top Films Are Driving Nollywood’s Revenue and Global Reach
- A Special Highlight: Lisabi: The Uprising
AMVCA 2025 Winners: Complete List of Awards and Nollywood’s Top Talent
The AMVCA 2025 winners represent the pinnacle of Nollywood talent across a range of categories. Here’s the complete list of the top award recipients:
- Best Movie: Freedom Way
- Best Director: Awam Amkpa – The Man Died
- Best Lead Actor: Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
- Best Lead Actress: Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
- Best Supporting Actor: Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life
- Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride
- Best Indigenous Film (West Africa): Lisabi: The Uprising
- Best Cinematography: The Legend of The Vagabond (Queen of Lagos)
- Best Documentary: Mai DùnDún
- Best Editing: Inkabi (for Tongai Furusa)
- Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nigerian Idol Season 9 (Kassim Suleiman)
- Best Scripted M-Net Original: My Fairytale Wedding
- Best Multichoice Talent Factory: Everything Light Touches
- Best Indigenous Language (East Africa): Makosa ni Yangu
- Best Indigenous Language (South Africa): Mwizukanji
- Best Costume Design: Christmas in Lagos
- Best Sound/Sound Design: Michael Botha and Olaosebikan Okonrende – Suspicion
- Best Makeup: Hakeem Onilogbo – Lisabi: The Uprising
- Best Writing (TV Series): Abel Mutua Musyoka – Untying Kantai
- Best Writing (Movie): Blessing Uzzi – Freedom Way
- Best Art Direction: Lisabi: The Uprising
- Best Music/Score: Seven Doors (Composer: Tolu Obanro)
- Best Short Film: Brukaci – Jide Jblaze Oyegbile
- Best Indigenous M-Net Original: Zi M Uzo – Nnodim Chigozie
- Best Digital Content Creator: Iyo Prosper Adokiye
- Trailblazer Award: Kayode Kasum
- Industry Merit Award: Nkem Owoh & Sani Mu’azu
- Viewer’s Choice Award: Seven Doors
How AMVCA 2025’s Top Films Are Driving Nollywood’s Revenue and Global Reach
The AMVCA 2025 winning films, Freedom Way, Lisabi: The Uprising, and Seven Doors, illustrate how Nollywood is expanding its global reach. These films have not only dominated local markets but also paved the way for Nigerian films to break into global audiences, thanks to streaming deals and strategic partnerships.
Freedom Way: A Cultural and Commercial Powerhouse
Winner of Best Movie at AMVCA 2025, Freedom Way became a global cultural phenomenon. Directed by Afolabi Olalekan and produced by Blessing Uzzi under BluHouse Studios, this film explores Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, including themes of police brutality and government corruption. The film’s premiere at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and subsequent Special Jury Award at Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) confirmed its international recognition. Though box office earnings are yet to be disclosed, this recognition points to its growing influence in global markets. Freedom Way is a prime example of Nollywood’s international expansion.
Lisabi: The Uprising: Bridging Tradition with Global Recognition
Another winner at AMVCA 2025, Lisabi: The Uprising, took home the Best Indigenous Film (Yoruba) award. The film was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, and tells the story of a hero from Yoruba history, blending authentic African storytelling with global narratives. While it was released in late 2024, Lisabi found massive success on Netflix Nigeria, where it quickly topped charts. The success of Lisabi: The Uprising is a testament to Nollywood’s growing cultural influence and global appeal. As it continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, it paves the way for more African filmmakers to tell authentic stories that transcend borders.
Seven Doors: Strategic Partnerships
Seven Doors was one of the most nominated films at AMVCA 2025, though it didn’t win Best Movie. Its post-award performance revealed how Nollywood films are diversifying their revenue streams beyond traditional box office earnings. This film capitalized on its visibility by forming strategic brand partnerships with tech and fashion industries, expanding its reach beyond film alone. Read more
The AMVCA 2025 wins represent a significant moment for Nollywood. With these films like Seven Doors, Freedom Way, and Lisabi: The Uprising leading the charge, it’s clear that the Nigerian film industry is gaining both creative and commercial success. These victories set new standards for cinematic excellence in Africa, positioning Nollywood for a larger global presence. The AMVCA 2025 winners have not only received industry recognition but have also shaped the future trajectory of African cinema.
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