The Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCAs) stand as a prestigious annual occasion celebrating excellence in African filmmaking.
Hosted by MultiChoice, the ceremony has turn out to be a trademark event for recognising excellent achievements in each tv and movie. Since its inception in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 9, 2013, the AMVCAs have grown into one of many continent’s most esteemed award ceremonies, charming audiences throughout greater than 50 international locations.
All through the years, quite a few Nollywood actresses have left an indelible mark on the AMVCA stage, incomes a number of accolades for his or her distinctive performances. These celebrated stars haven’t solely elevated the Nigerian movie trade however have additionally garnered worldwide acclaim for his or her expertise and dedication to their craft.
On this article, NotjustOk delves into the highest 10 Nollywood actresses who’ve amassed probably the most honours on the AMVCAs. These exceptional people have constantly delivered charming portrayals on display, charming audiences with their nuanced performances and charming storytelling.
Because the listing unfolds, every actress’s contributions to the Nigerian movie trade are highlighted, showcasing their versatility and skill to command the display with their presence. From iconic performances in blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed roles in tv collection, these actresses have solidified their standing as trade icons.
1. Funke Akindele (5 wins)
Nollywood star actress, director, and producer, Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, has undoubtedly etched her title among the many most gifted and achieved entertainers of her period. Together with her exceptional performances, she has garnered a large following throughout Africa, solidifying her standing as a fan favorite.
Famend for her portrayal of numerous characters, Akindele has notably excelled in comedy, incomes her the title of probably the most awarded Finest Actress in a Comedy on the prestigious Africa Magic Viewer’s Selection Awards (AMVCA). Her unparalleled expertise has seen her clinch the coveted award a exceptional 5 occasions, establishing her as a comedy icon and a formidable power within the Nigerian movie trade.
Akindele’s journey to AMVCA glory commenced on the second version of the awards ceremony in 2014, when she emerged victorious because the Finest Actress in a Comedy for her function in The Return of Sheri Koko. Subsequently, she continued her profitable streak, securing the title in 2016 and 2017 for her portrayal of the enduring character Jenifa within the hit collection Jenifa’s Diary.
In 2020, Funke Akindele as soon as once more showcased her comedic prowess, clinching the Finest Actress in a Comedy award for her function in Mothers at Struggle. Undeterred by challenges, she triumphed but once more in 2022, incomes her fifth AMVCA for Finest Actress in a Comedy together with her stellar efficiency in Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
Regardless of falling quick in her bid for a sixth AMVCA within the comedy class with Battle on Buka Road, shedding to fellow actress, Bimbo Ademoye, Funke Akindele’s resilience and expertise stay unwavering. Anticipation runs excessive for the AMVCA 2024, with hopes pinned on her potential nomination and victory within the Finest Actress in a Film/Drama Sequence class for her function in her newest manufacturing, A Tribe Referred to as Judah.
Past the AMVCAs, Funke’s illustrious profession has been adorned with quite a few accolades, together with Finest Actress in a Main Position (2018 and 2019) on the Africa Film Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Nigeria Leisure Award (NEA). Her success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses, reaffirming the facility of dedication, expertise, and arduous work to realize greatness within the leisure trade.
2. Rita Dominice (3 wins)
Rita Dominic Anosike, a powerhouse in Nigeria’s movie trade, has left an indelible mark together with her stellar performances and impactful productions, garnering acclaim and accolades over time. Amongst her notable achievements are three exceptional wins on the Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCAs) in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
One among Dominic’s standout tasks is The Assembly, a romantic comedy launched in 2012 that she co-produced with Nollywood director, Mildred Okwo. The movie obtained widespread reward and recognition, together with the Finest New Period Award on the 2014 AMVCAs for Dominic’s excellent contribution.
Dominic’s portrayal in The Assembly additionally earned her the celebrated title of Finest Actress in a Comedy on the 2015 AMVCAs, showcasing her versatility and comedic prowess. The movie’s narrative, set towards the backdrop of Nigeria’s political panorama, resonated with audiences because it navigated themes of affection and bureaucratic hurdles.
In 2017, Dominic continued her profitable streak on the AMVCAs, this time for her function within the critically acclaimed movie, 76. Portraying the spouse of a soldier embroiled within the 1976 navy coup and assassination of Normal Murtala Mohammed, Dominic delivered a compelling efficiency that earned her the Finest Actress in a Drama (Film/TV Sequence) award. She devoted the accolade to the “unsung heroines,” the wives of troopers, emphasising the significance of recognising their contributions and sacrifices.
76 additionally secured the coveted title of Finest Total Film on the AMVCA 2017, showcasing its affect and resonance with audiences. The movie, informed from two views, gives a poignant portrayal of historic occasions whereas exploring themes of affection, loyalty, and patriotism.
Rita Dominic stays a trailblazer, inspiring audiences together with her expertise, dedication, and dedication to storytelling. Her contributions to the trade function proof of her enduring legacy and affect as certainly one of Nollywood’s best skills.
3. Osas Ighodaro (3 wins)
Nollywood sensation, Osas Ighodaro continues to make waves within the leisure trade, leaving an indelible mark together with her distinctive expertise and charming performances. With an illustrious profession spanning a number of years, Ighodaro has confirmed herself to be a power to be reckoned with, incomes accolades and recognition for her excellent contributions to the film trade.
On the eighth version of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA) held on Might 15, 2022, Ighodaro was topped Finest Actress in a Film/Drama Sequence for her stellar portrayal of Amara in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, the movie captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and highly effective performances, cementing Ighodaro’s standing as a number one actress in Nollywood.
Along with her performing prowess, Ighodaro additionally captured consideration for her impeccable sense of favor, profitable the award for Finest Dressed Feminine on the identical occasion. Her gorgeous look in a flowing see-through robe, complemented by a modern ponytail coiffure and stylish drop earrings, additional solidified her standing as a style icon.
Persevering with her profitable streak, Ighodaro secured one other victory on the 2023 AMVCA, clinching the award for Finest Actress in a Film/Drama for her function in Man of God. As soon as once more, her charming efficiency captivated viewers and earned her well-deserved recognition for her expertise and dedication to her craft.
Famend for her impeccable performing expertise and compelling on-screen presence, Ighodaro’s award-winning performances function proof of the immense expertise and potential of the African movie trade. With every function, she continues to depart an indelible impression on audiences, showcasing the richness and variety of storytelling in Nollywood.
4. Nse Ikpe-Etim (1 win)
Award-winning Nigerian actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim has left an indelible mark on the leisure trade, notably in Nollywood, together with her distinctive expertise and flexibility. Since her debut within the early 2000s, Ikpe-Etim has graced screens in over 100 movies, charming audiences together with her charming performances.
In a standout second of her profession, Ikpe-Etim soared to new heights of acclaim on the second version of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA) in 2014. Her exceptional portrayal within the movie Journey To Self earned her the coveted Finest Actress in a Film/Drama Sequence Award.
Journey To Self showcases Ikpe-Etim’s prowess as an actress, as she delivers a charming efficiency that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike. Her means to carry her character to life with authenticity and emotion solidified her as a real expertise within the trade.
Regardless of going through stiff competitors in subsequent years, Ikpe-Etim’s nominations for Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV Sequence) for her function in Quam’s Cash in 2022, and Finest Actress in a Film/Drama collection for her portrayal in Shanty City in 2023, additional showcase her enduring affect and flexibility as an actress.
Whereas she might not have clinched extra awards in these classes, Ikpe-Etim’s win on the AMVCA 2014 stays a shining second in her profession. Her dedication to her craft and her means to attach with audiences on a profound stage continues to solidify her standing as certainly one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses.
5. Mercy Johnson (1 win)
Famend Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie achieved a major milestone in her illustrious profession by clinching the celebrated Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV collection) award for her unforgettable efficiency within the rib-tickling comedy film Dumebi the Soiled Lady. This historic win occurred through the maiden version of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA), the place Johnson emerged as the primary actress to be honoured within the Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV Sequence) class.
Regardless of being unable to attend the star-studded occasion in 2013 on account of her childbirth in the USA of America, Johnson’s absence didn’t overshadow her exceptional achievement. Veteran actress, Endurance Uzokwor, fondly often known as Mama G, graciously accepted the award on her behalf, additional highlighting Johnson’s esteemed fame and widespread acclaim inside the trade.
In subsequent years, Johnson continued to showcase her versatility and comedic prowess, incomes nominations for her roles in acclaimed productions equivalent to Battle On Buka Road and Passport. Though she didn’t safe victories in these classes within the 2023 AMVCA, her nominations showcased her enduring affect and contributions to the Nigerian comedy style.
Moreover, Johnson’s nomination for Finest Supporting Actress (Film/TV Sequence) in 2022 for her function in The New Regular exemplified her means to excel throughout numerous roles and genres inside the trade. Whereas she didn’t emerge victorious on this class, her nomination served as proof of her versatility and continued relevance as a number one determine in Nollywood.
6. Toyin Abraham (1 win)
Famend Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, has continued to carve her area of interest as a trailblazer and pacesetter within the Nigerian movie trade. With a profession spanning over twenty years, Abraham’s expertise and dedication have earned her quite a few accolades and widespread recognition.
In 2020, Abraham clinched the celebrated Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Award (AMVCA) for Finest Actress in a Drama (Film/TV collection for her charming efficiency within the movie Elevator Child. This exceptional achievement not solely showcased her performing prowess but in addition highlighted her means to carry characters to life on display. In a heartwarming gesture, she devoted the award to her husband and son, emphasizing the significance of household help in her journey to success.
Regardless of her win, Abraham’s expertise extends throughout varied genres, as evidenced by her nominations in different classes on the AMVCAs. In the identical 12 months, she was nominated for Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV Sequence) for her roles in Bling Lagosians and Kasanova. Though she didn’t safe the award, her nomination showcased her versatility and skill to excel in numerous roles. Multi-talented star, Funke Akindele emerged victorious on this class, additional emphasizing the fierce competitors inside the trade.
Abraham’s journey to stardom started in 2003 when she ventured into performing after being impressed by fellow actress, Bukky Wright throughout a film shoot in Ibadan. Since then, she has not solely graced the display together with her performing expertise however has additionally delved into manufacturing and course, leaving an indelible mark on the trade.
Her filmography boasts a mirrored image of notable works, together with Lani Baba Labake and Ebimi Ni, the place she showcased her versatility and vary as an actress. Past her AMVCA win, Abraham has been acknowledged with a number of different prestigious awards within the movie trade, solidifying her standing as certainly one of Nollywood’s main lights.
Regardless of going through setbacks, equivalent to shedding out on the Finest Supporting Actress award for her function in Tatu in 2018, Abraham’s resilience and dedication stay unwavering as her film, Ijakumo clinched three completely different awards in AMVCA 2023 nominations. She continues to push boundaries and problem herself, setting new requirements of excellence with every undertaking she undertakes.
7. Bimbo Ademoye (1 win)
Bimbo Ademoye, a quick rising star within the Nigerian movie trade, has solidified her place as certainly one of Nollywood’s brightest skills together with her win on the Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA) 2023. The award, bestowed upon her within the Finest Actress in a Comedy class for her function within the hit collection Selina, marks a major milestone in her burgeoning profession.
In Selina, Ademoye dazzled audiences together with her impeccable comedic timing and finesse in portraying her character, leaving viewers in stitches together with her distinctive efficiency. Her means to effortlessly carry her character to life and infuse humor into each scene earned her well-deserved recognition on the prestigious awards ceremony.
Competing towards a formidable lineup of nominees, together with seasoned actors and trade veterans, Ademoye’s standout portrayal in Selina captured the hearts of each critics and audiences alike. Regardless of stiff competitors from famend names equivalent to Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson, Ademoye’s expertise and charisma shone by, finally securing her victory within the fiercely contested class.
Moreover, Ademoye’s nomination for Finest Actress in a Film/Drama collection for her distinctive function in Anikulapo in the identical 12 months additional highlights her versatility as an actress. Though she didn’t clinch the award on this class, her nomination alongside trade heavyweights speaks volumes about her rising prominence and affect in Nollywood.
Previous to her AMVCA win, Ademoye earned a exceptional nomination within the Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV collection) class in 2018 for her function in Backup Spouse and in 2020 for a similar class for her expectional efficiency in Trying For Baami however misplaced each.
She obtained essential popularity of her efficiency within the 2022 movie Breaded Life, incomes her a nomination for Finest Actress in Comedy (Film/TV Sequence). Whereas she confronted stiff competitors from established names like Funke Akindele, her nomination showcased her rising fame as a power to be reckoned with within the Nigerian movie trade.
8. Adesua Etomi (1 win)
Adesua Etomi Wellington, acclaimed as certainly one of Nigeria’s most versatile actresses, achieved a major milestone in her profession by clinching her first Finest Actress award on the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA). The famend awards ceremony, broadly thought to be Africa’s most necessary movie accolades, honored Etomi for her stellar efficiency within the 2016 movie Falling, amidst fierce competitors from trade friends.
In a lavish ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria, Etomi emerged victorious over esteemed nominees equivalent to Genevieve Nnaji, Mary Lazarus, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Belinda Effah, and Fulu Mugovhani. Her portrayal of the character Muna, a powerful and devoted spouse within the movie, captivated audiences and critics alike, incomes her accolades for her depth of emotion and authenticity on display.
Regardless of going through stiff competitors in subsequent years, Etomi continued to showcase her expertise and flexibility by notable performances. In 2017, she obtained a nomination for Finest Actress in a Drama (Film/TV Sequence) for her exceptional function in The Arbitration. Though she didn’t clinch the award, her nomination showcased her standing as a revered determine within the trade.
In 2018, Etomi garnered one other nomination, this time for Finest Actress in a Comedy (Film/TV Sequence), for her distinctive portrayal in 10 Days in Solar Metropolis. Regardless of her excellent efficiency, the award eluded her grasp, but her nomination served as proof of her constant means to captivate audiences throughout genres.
Adesua Etomi’s triumph on the AMVCA not solely catapulted her to the forefront of Nigeria’s movie trade but in addition solidified her fame as a formidable expertise on the African cinematic panorama. Together with her innate means to breathe life into characters and convey uncooked emotion on display, Etomi continues to depart an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, paving the way in which for a promising and illustrious profession within the realm of performing.
9. Kehinde Bankole (1 win)
Kehinde Bankole, a distinguished actress within the Nigerian movie trade, claimed the coveted Finest Actress in a Drama (Film/TV Sequence) award on the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Selection Awards (AMVCA) for her distinctive efficiency within the acclaimed movie October 1.
Bankole’s portrayal of the character Tawa in October 1 resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, incomes her widespread acclaim and recognition for her excellent expertise and dedication to her craft. Her means to breathe life into her character with authenticity and nuance showcased her exceptional vary as an actress, solidifying her standing as certainly one of Nollywood’s brightest stars.
Along with the celebrated accolade, Bankole was additionally offered with a cheque of N1 million courtesy of Amstel Malta, additional cementing her achievement and contribution to the Nigerian movie trade.
Regardless of her subsequent nominations in subsequent years, together with a nod for Finest Supporting Actress in a Drama (Film/TV Sequence) for her function in “8 Bars & A Clef” in 2017, Bankole’s standout efficiency on the 2015 AMVCA stays a defining second in her profession. Whereas she didn’t clinch the award in subsequent years, her nominations showcased her constant means to ship compelling performances throughout varied genres and tasks.
In 2022, Bankole obtained one other nomination for Finest Actress in a Drama (Film/TV Sequence) for her exceptional function in Pricey Affy. Though she confronted stiff competitors, finally shedding the award to Osas Ighodaro, her nomination served as proof of her enduring expertise and continued affect inside the trade.
As Kehinde Bankole continues to captivate audiences together with her charming performances and cement her legacy as a formidable expertise in Nollywood, her triumph on the 2015 AMVCA stands as a testomony to her unwavering dedication to excellence and her invaluable contribution to the Nigerian cinematic panorama.
10. Omotola Jalada-Ekeinde (1 win)
Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde added one other feather to her cap by securing her inaugural Africa Magic Viewers Selection Awards (AMVCA) within the esteemed class of Finest Actress in a Drama/TV Sequence on the 2018 version of the celebrated occasion. Jalade-Ekeinde’s triumph got here on account of her compelling portrayal within the film Alter Ego, the place she captivated audiences together with her riveting efficiency within the lead function.
The accolade not solely signifies a major milestone in her illustrious profession but in addition stands as her first-ever nomination and subsequent win on the AMVCAs, showcasing the distinctive nature of her achievement.
Regardless of having amassed quite a few accolades all through her exceptional profession, the AMVCA win holds explicit significance for Jalade-Ekeinde, highlighting her enduring affect and flexibility as an actress inside the Nigerian movie trade. Her portrayal in Alter Ego showcased her depth of expertise and skill to immerse herself absolutely into complicated characters, additional solidifying her standing as certainly one of Nollywood’s most revered figures.
Whereas the highest 10 Nollywood actresses with probably the most AMVCA wins and nominations have rightfully earned their esteemed positions, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of different gifted people within the trade. Actresses like Omowunmi Dada and Ebele Okaro, who’ve secured wins within the Finest Supporting Actress class, exhibit the depth of expertise inside Nollywood.
Moreover, quite a few actresses have obtained a number of nominations with out clinching an award, indicating their constant excellence and enduring affect on the cinematic panorama. As we anticipate the nominations for the 2024 AMVCA, hopes are excessive that deserving actresses will obtain recognition for his or her excellent performances.
Whether or not sustaining their profitable streaks or reaching their first AMVCA victory, these actresses proceed to encourage audiences with their exceptional expertise and dedication to their craft. Because the Nigerian movie trade evolves, it’s essential to rejoice and help the varied array of expertise driving its success and development.
