The most prestigious night in African cinema is back. Africa Magic, in partnership with MultiChoice, has officially opened the call for entries for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
If you are a filmmaker, producer, or digital content creator who lit up screens in 2025, now is your time to step into the spotlight. Here is the definitive guide to entering the 2026 awards.
📅 Key Dates to Remember
• Submissions Opened: January 11, 2026
• Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026
• Eligibility Period: Only works publicly screened or broadcast between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, are eligible.
• Awards Ceremony: May 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
🏆 What’s New for the 12th Edition?
The AMVCAs continue to evolve into a truly pan-African platform. This year, the organizers have introduced two major new categories to ensure every corner of the continent is represented:
1. Best Indigenous Language – North Africa
2. Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa
These additions join the existing indigenous categories for West, East, and Southern Africa, making the 12th edition the most linguistically diverse in the history of the awards.
📊 The 2026 Category Breakdown
The 12th AMVCA will feature a total of 32 categories:
• 18 Jury-Decided Categories: Judged by a panel of industry experts based on technical excellence and storytelling.
• 11 Audience-Voted Categories: Where the fans have the final say on who takes home the trophy.
• 3 Special Recognition Awards: Two Lifetime Achievement Awards and the highly anticipated Trailblazer Award for emerging talent.
📝 Submission Guidelines: How to Enter
To ensure your entry is valid, follow these strict requirements:
1. Online Portal: All entries must be submitted through the official portal at www.africamagic.tv/amvca.
2. Format: You must upload a full preview copy of your production exactly as it was screened or broadcast.
3. Platforms: Feature-length films must have been shown in cinemas, on linear television, or on recognized streaming platforms.
4. Reference Number: Once you submit, you will receive a unique reference number. Keep this safe; it is required for all future correspondence.
A New Era of Sponsorship
In a significant shift for 2026, the awards are now headlined by Don Julio as the lead sponsor. This partnership signals the AMVCA's evolution into a premium cultural platform that celebrates not just film, but the broader craftsmanship and luxury of African creativity.
Final Word to Creators
The AMVCA is more than just a trophy; it is a gateway to global recognition and a celebration of the African narrative. With the submission window closing in just over a week (February 15), there is no time to waste.
Submit your work today and let your story shine on Africa’s biggest stage!
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