AMVCA 2026 Tonight: Live Stream, Nominees and Host Full List

It seems that another African award show is about to be held soon.

The twelfth ceremony of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 is about to begin tonight in Lagos, Nigeria, where several celebrities, film directors, fashion icons, and others will celebrate the best of Africa.

The upcoming event of AMVCA follows the worldwide craze over the Met Gala 2026, which ended several days ago. The fans of African movies can be sure that there will be an incredible AMVCA 2026 red carpet once again, showing their culture to the whole world.

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AMVCA 2026 Start Time Schedule for Red Carpet and Main Ceremony

According to organizers, here is what time AMVCA will start in 2026 on the night of Saturday, May 9:

Red Carpet: 4:00 PM WAT
Main Award Ceremony: 7:00 PM WAT
Venue: Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre

AMVCA 2026: Where to Watch and Stream Live

There are numerous places to watch and stream the awards live in Africa.

Television Channels

The award will be televised live on:

Africa Magic Showcase
Africa Magic Urban
Africa Magic Epic
Africa Magic Family
Africa Magic Hausa
Africa Magic Yoruba
Africa Magic Igbo

through:

DStv
GOtv

Online Streaming

The award will also be streamed live through:

DStv Stream
GOtv Stream

Who Are the Hosts for AMVCA 2026?

This year’s awards ceremony hosts are:

Bovi Ugboma
Nomzamo Mbatha

The theme for AMVCA 2026 is:

“Craft and Cultural Respect.”

Which Movies Get the Most Nominations at AMVCA 2026?

The movie that gets the most nominations at this year’s AMVCA is Gingerrr, which has gotten nine nominations.

Some other movies to look out for are:

To Kill A Monkey
My Father’s Shadow
The Herd
Behind The Scenes

Lateef Adedimeji has made waves with multiple nominations in different acting categories.

Complete List of AMVCA Nominees 2026

Best Actor (Lead)

Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty
Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey
Femi Branch – Red Circle

Best Actress (Lead)

Bimbo Akintola – To Kill A Monkey
Sola Sobowale – Her Excellency
Genoveva Umeh – The Herd

Best Film Of The Year

Gingerrr
The Herd
My Father’s Shadow
3 Cold Dishes

Why This Year’s AMVCA Is More Important Than Ever

This year’s AMVCA comes at a time when African films, TV shows, and fashion are enjoying rapid success around the globe.

My Father’s Shadow has already achieved international fame, and meanwhile, African performers from various fields are steadily making their way onto the mainstream global media scene.

There has also been more talk about AMVCA fashion than ever before, particularly after the rise of comparisons between African fashion shows and the Met Gala worldwide.

Categories Added This Year

Apart from that, a new category has been added:

Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa and Central Africa)

This move comes as part of the increasing attempt to increase regional representation in African cinema.

Conclusion

As this year’s AMVCA is expected to feature a list of big names among the nominees as well as high fashion and celebrity in attendance, including many of Africa’s biggest stars descending upon Lagos for the occasion, the AMVCA 2026 is expected to be one of the continent’s most-watched entertainment events of the year.

Indeed, there is more at stake than mere awards.