“And the winner is Living In Bondage…”
The anticipated seventh edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) might be over but the reactions from the evening will last for a long time. Filled with surprising wins and snubs. The night threw up a number of possibilities with lots of tears, laughter, celebration and controversy.
Headlined by seasoned broadcasters Amina Abdi Rabar and Ik Osakioduwa, Africa’s biggest night for movies, attracted endless celebrities, who walked through the red carpet, with looks that stunned, surprised and even confused the audience. Everyone wanted to get a trophy in the award’s newest addition- the ‘Best Dressed’ Category.
That honour was reserved for Big Brother Naija season 4 contestant, Mike Edwards and the reality TV show 2019 winner, Mercy Eke.
Leading the night was ‘Living in Bondage’ with a total of seven wins including Best Overall movie. ‘God Calling’ was right behind with two wins. One of the biggest snubs for the night was ‘King of Boys’ with no wins. The industry merit award went to seasoned TV and filmmaker, Peter Igho.
Living In Bondage’s triumph is no big surprise. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, the 2019 sequel was partly powered by nostalgia, after a generation of Nigerians were sold from the legendary run of the 1992 original. This sequel which comes 27 years later, tells the story of Nnamdi, Andy Okeke’s son whose quest for the lavish life takes him down the same questionable path his father took.
After smashing box office with a final cumulative of ₦163.4 million at the box office after 11 weeks, The film ranked eleventh overall in the list of highest-grossing Nigerian movies, overtaking 30 Days in Atlanta on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time.
On the night, it swept almost every category in which it was nominated. Writer Nicole Asinugo — joint winner of the Best Writer in a Movie or TV Series with C.J. Obasi—was emotional as she stepped on stage and gave thanks to everyone who contributed. It was her first screenplay ever, and her first win at the AMVCAs. John Demps who worked on its cinematography got his first ever award, while the soundtrack Tene gave a trophy to Larry Gaga and Flavour.
Director Ramsey Nouah was absent on the night, but his trophies cabinet swelled up as ‘Living In Bondage’ picked up wins for Best Director, Best Movie West Africa, and Overall Movie Of The Night.
Elsewhere, the emotion poured out from two unexpected wins; Beverly Naya’s Best Documentary win edged out some solid competition to land in her lap. Accepting the trophy, the actress raised her award high, her voice shaking with happiness, as she shot a finger to her critics. “They said to me, let’s stop making Beverly Naya happen. Look at me today,” she said.
C.J. Obasi’s proud mom performed a warming dance on behalf of her son, who was unavoidably absent, directing Nigeria’s first Netflix original. Timini Egbuson was handed his Best Actor trophy by his sister and veteran actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, while the hall erupted for Swanky J.K.A’s Trailblazer win. Comedian Funnybone was ushered off the stage in tears. He collected a trophy for Best Actor in a Comedy, but was overcome with emotion after dedicating it to his late mother, who passed a few months ago. A few other winners dedicated theirs to their loving wives.
The highest point of the night was seeing Peter and Tosin Igho—father and son—walk on stage to receive trophies. The older Igho was celebrated for his impactful work in setting up the first wave of classic movies from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) including ‘Cockcrow At Dawn’, and ‘Things Fall Apart.’ Tosin, his son who walked alongside him, beaming with pride, had earlier won the Best Picture Editor, for his efforts in ‘Seven’. Incidentally, ‘Seven’ was nominated seven times in the 7th edition of the AMVCAs.
King of Boys experienced the worst snub of the night. The political thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba, entered the night with high hopes after bagging 7 nominations. It failed to collect any trophy. Fan favourites Sola Sobowale, Reminisce, Toni Tones, and all the nominees in technical categories left the show without a trophy.
AMVCA 2020 threw up the best of Nigerian film, just as it had done in the past three years. It brought old-timers like 4-time winner, Funke Akindele, on the same stage with students from the Multichoice Talent Factory who came out in numbers after ‘Promises’ from East Africa won.
This is the beauty of the celebration. African creatives, coming together as one to recognise their best and to honour exceptional performers for towering higher than convention. Star-studded attendees, thousands of guests, and a performer list that elevated the night.
Full List Of Winners
Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie or TV Series): Chibunna “Funny Bone” Stanley – Smash
Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series): Funke Akindele – Moms At War
Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series): Timini Egbuson – Elevator Baby
Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series): Toyin Abraham – Elevator Baby
Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or TV Series: Pascal Tokodi – Disconnect
Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or TV Series: Gloria Sarfo – The Perfect Picture: 10 Years Later
Best Short Film or Online Video: Thorn – Bola ‘Enigma’ Akanbi (first timer)
NON-PUBLIC VOTING
Best Cinematographer: Living In Bondage – John Demps (first timer)
Best Lighting Designer In A Movie Or TV Series: God Calling – Cardoso
Best Costume Designer Movie or TV Series: Ratnik Dimeji – Ajibola
Best Make-Up Category: God Calling – Lilian Omozele Paul
Best Writer in a Movie or TV Series: Nicole Asinugo (first timer) and CJ Obasi – Living In Bondage
Best Documentary: Skin – Beverly Naya
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Swahili: Raveet Sippy Chadh – Subira
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Yoruba: Yewande Famakin – Alubarika
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Hausa: Tuntube – Muhammad T. Finisher
Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Igbo: Nne – Victor Iyke (first timer)
Best Movie Southern Africa: Dalitso – Abraham Kabwe
Best Movie East Africa: Plan B – Sarah Hassan
Best Movie West Africa: Living In Bondage – Ramsey Nouah
Best Television Series Drama Or Comedy: Truth – Anis Halloway (Sierra Leone)
Best Picture Editor: Seven – Tosin Igho and Bryan Dike
Best Art Director Movie/TV Series: Ratnik – Dimeji Ajibola, Iwaotan Olusola Roberts
Best Sound Track Movie/TV Series: Living In Bondage – Larry Gaga & Flavour – Tene
Multichoice Talent Factor: Promises – East Africa
Best Director: Living In Bondage – Ramsey Nouah
Industry Merit Award: Peter Igho
Best Dressed Male: Mike Edwards
Best Dressed Female: Mercy Eke
Trailblazer Award: Swanky J.K.A
Overall Movie of The Night: Living In Bondage
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