Quote from KayodeK on May 10, 2026, 8:20 am

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on Saturday night at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, was a night of high glamour and intense debate. While the film “My Father’s Shadow” emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing five major awards, the ceremony was equally defined by the “snubs” that set social media ablaze. Prominent filmmakers and actors who were widely expected to dominate left the venue without the anticipated trophies, leading to widespread discussions about the jury’s selection process versus popular audience opinion.

One of the most discussed snubs involved Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele and her blockbuster project “Behind The Scenes.” Despite the film’s record-breaking box office performance and massive critical acclaim, Akindele lost the Best Supporting Actress category to Linda Ejiofor. Similarly, the star-studded production “Gingerrr,” which entered the night with nine nominations, failed to convert its strong presence into any major victories, much to the disappointment of its vocal fanbase and co-producers.

Digital content creators also faced surprises in their categories. Popular skit maker Akwaman, whose “Did I just hear Muah” entry became a viral sensation in 2025, was overlooked in the Best Digital Content Creator category. The award was instead given to Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom for “Leave to Live.” Other notable misses included veteran actor Daniel Etim-Effiong and actress Genoveva Umeh, both of whom received high praise for their roles in “The Herd” but did not secure individual acting wins.

Despite the controversies, the night featured heartwarming moments of recognition for Nollywood legends. Veteran actress Sola Sobowale was honored with the Industry Merit Award for her legendary career and contributions to the craft. Similarly, Kanayo O. Kanayo received a Lifetime Achievement Award, providing a balance of reverence for the industry’s pioneers amidst the modern competitive atmosphere. The event once again showcased the unpredictable nature of the AMVCAs, where technical excellence often clashes with commercial popularity.

https://punchng.com/full-list-biggest-award-snubs-from-2026-amvca-night/

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