The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) is an annual entertainment award ceremony, presented to recognize excellence among African and non-African professionals, who have contributed to the African film industry. The award was founded by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe currently run by the Africa Film Academy. It is regarded as one of Africa's most notable film events, and have been sometimes referenced as the "African Oscars".
History The first Africa Movie Academy Awards was held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, on 30 May 2005. All other subsequent African Academy Awards before 2012 were held at the same venue, except for the 2008 AMAA Awards, which was moved to Abuja, FCT, for security reasons. In 2012, the awards ceremony was held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in Lagos State. The 9th and 10th edition saw AMAA returning to Yenagoa, while the 2015 ceremony was held outside Nigeria for the first time.
They have been hosted in various Nigerian cities, usually in Lagos, and once internationally in Kigali, Rwanda, in the year 2018. The ceremonies have been held at different venues within these locations, including the Jewel Aeida Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Balmoral Center, and the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. Over time, the AMAA has expanded its reach beyond Nigeria. Though detailed archival venue data is limited, ceremonies have drawn global attention, through strategic host cities and online formats particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach reflects AMAA's evolving commitment to inclusion and accessibility across the African continent and beyond.
Jury members Berni Goldblat 2007–present John Akomfrah Steve Ayorinde Keith Shiri June Givanni Hyginus Ekwuazi Shaibu Husseini Ayuko Babu Asantewa Olatunji Dorothee Wenner 2005–present Charles Burnett 2014–present Filippe Savadogo 2014–present Amaka Igwe 2005
Categories
As of 2017, the Africa Movie Academy Awards had 28 merit categories. They include: Best Short Film: since 2010 Best Documentary: since 2006 Best Diaspora Feature: since 2011 Best Diaspora Documentary: since 2011 Best Animation: since 2008 Achievement in Production Design: since 2008 Achievement in Costume Design: since 2005 Achievement in Make-Up: since 2005 Achievement in Soundtrack: since 2005 Achievement in Visual Effects: since 2005 Achievement in Sound: since 2005 Achievement in Cinematography: since 2005 Achievement in Editing: since 2005 Best Film by an African Living Abroad: (2008; 2010–2013; 2015–present) Best Comedy Film Best Actor in a Leading Role: since 2005 Best Actress in a Leading Role: since 2005 Best First Feature Film by a Director Best Diaspora Short Film Achievement in Screenplay: since 2005 Best Nigerian Film: since 2007 Best Film in an African Language: since 2005 Most Promising Actor: since 2006 Best Child Actor Best Actor in a Supporting Role: since 2005 Best Actress in a Supporting Role: since 2005 Best Director: since 2005 Best Film: since 2005
Discontinued categories Several categories have been renamed, retired, or merged. Below is a list of some of the retired categories. Last awarded yearCategory Name Last Winner 2006 Best Soap Desperate Millionaires 2006 Best Marketer A-Z Movies 2006 Best Original Effects Day of Atonement 2008 Most Outstanding Actress Indigenous Doris Simeon 2010 Achievement in Art Direction The Figurine 2008 Most Outstanding Actor Indigenous Ayo Akinwale 2013 Achievement in Lighting Moi Zaphira
Special categories Lifetime Achievement Awards (2005–2007; 2013–present) Special Recognition of Pillars of Nollywood (2013 only) Special Jury Award (2012–present) Madiba Africa Vision Awards (2014 only) Best Film for Women Empowerment (2014 only)
Impact AMAA has cemented its role as a catalyst for African cinema. It brings visibility to films in indigenous languages, supports diaspora narratives, and honours technical excellence. The awards foster cross-continental collaboration, spotlight African talent globally, and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
See also
List of Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremonies
References
External links