The 20th AMAA Honors Excellence and Legacy in Cinema : A Celebration of African Storytelling
The 20th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), held at Lagos’ prestigious Balmoral Convention Centre, celebrated African cinema’s finest, commemorating its two-decade journey in championing storytelling across the continent. Attended by stars from across Africa—including Chinedu Ikedieze, Ghanaian star Jackie Appiah, and Kenya’s Kenneth Ambani—the night was a testament to the strength and reach of African film today. This year’s event, hosted by Segun Arinze and Joselyn Dumas was not just about awards but also a platform to honour the contributions of late AMAA founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, and the legacy she built within African cinema.
Ahead of the main awards night, the AMAAs held a series of events celebrating African art and fashion, like the AMAA Africa Fashion Show and Trade Exhibition and a special Night of Legends. The red carpet was a feast for the eyes, filled with elegance and African pride, with celebrities showcasing styles that blend traditional and contemporary African aesthetics, a fusion as captivating as the storytelling itself. This buildup brought together industry veterans and new talents, setting a dynamic tone for the awards evening. The AMAA 2024 nominees highlighted the continent’s diversity and creative evolution, with films like Jagun Jagun from Nigeria and The Queenstown Kings from South Africa dominating nominations. The Weekend, Orah, and Letters to Goddo also saw multiple nods in technical and performance categories, demonstrating both artistic and cinematic excellence.
The Best Actor and Actress categories saw intense competition, with outstanding performances by Chidi Mokeme (Out of Breath), Uzoamaka Aniunoh (The Weekend), and Jackie Appiah (Red Carpet) taking front stage.
As the 20th AMAA concluded, it was evident that African film is expanding its worldwide presence, providing unique perspectives and narratives to audiences in Africa and beyond. The Weekend, a gripping thriller directed by Daniel Oriahi, emerged as the big winner, taking home multiple awards, including Best Film.
This year’s AMAAs not only celebrated achievements but also inspired new talents to explore the rich tapestry of African stories, blending tradition with innovation in a way that honors the continent’s storied past and exciting future.
With a stellar performance from Femi Kuti, the night was filled with excitement and anticipation as the awards were presented in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in African filmmaking.
Full African Movie Academy Awards Winners List
Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film – The Last Shoemaker (Uganda)
Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation – Counter Punch (Kenya)
Best Documentary -The Night Still Smells of Gunpowder (Mozambique)
Ousmane Sembene Award For Best Film an African Language – The Queenstown Kings (South Africa)
Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African Living in Abroad – Under The Hanging Tree (Namibia/UK)
Best Diaspora Short – The neighborhood Alert – (USA)
Best Diaspora Documentary – The Wu Tang Clan: Live At Red Rocks Amphitheatre (USA)
Best Diaspora Narrative Feature – Outlaw Posse (USA)
Achievement in Costume Design – Mai Martaba
Achievement in Make-Up – Jagun Jagun
Achievement in Soundtrack – Boda Love
Achievement in Sound – The Queenstown Kings
Achievement in Visual Effect – Jagun Jagun
Achievement in Production Design – Out Of Breath
Achievement in Cinemeatography – The Weekend
Achievement in Editing – Under The Hanging Tree
Achievement in Screenplay – The Weekend
National Film And Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award For Best Nigerian Film – The Weekend
Best Young/Promising Actor – Michell Lemuya (Nawi)
Best Actor in A supporting Role – Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
Best Actress in A supporting Role – Elsie Chidera Abang (Kipkemboi)
Best Actor in A Leading Role – Zolisa Xaluva (The Queenstown Kings)
Best Actress in A Leading Role – Jackie Appiah (Red Carpet)
Best Debut Feature Film By A Director – Letters To Goddo (Harry Bentil)
Best Director – Jahmil X.T Qubeka (The Queenstown Kings)
Best Film – The Weekend
Lifetime Achievement – Souleymane Cisse (Mali), Nacer Khemir (Tunisia), Haile Gerima (Ethiopia)
Special Recognition – Alain Gomis (Senegal/Gabon), Tsitsi Dangerembga (Zimbabwe)
