On Sunday, October 29, 2023, the board of the Africa Film Academy, the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, held the 19th edition of the continental awards ceremony in a convivial atmosphere in Ikeja, Lagos State.

This edition of the event was co-produced by Kingsley James, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, and George Anyiam-Osigwe.

A total of 26 awards were won by actors, cinematographers, producers, costumiers, light operators and other practitioners in the film and TV industry.

Some of the biggest winners of the night include Nigeria’s CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi, whose film, ‘Mami Water’, won three awards that include Best Achievement in Make-Up, Best Achievement in Cinematography, and the National Film and Video Censors Board Award for Best Nigerian Film.

Reacting to his win, Obasi, who couldn’t make it to the ceremony said, “I wish I could have made it, but I am so grateful to the jury and the academy for this great honour.”

In the same vein, Kunle Afolayan’s film, ‘Anikulapo’ won the Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language, and Best Achievement in Production Design.

An elated Tobi Bakre could not hide his joy when he was announced the Best Actor in a leading role after picking up two different awards for two of his colleagues.

Reacting to the award, which was for his role in Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ he said, “God did (it). Special thanks to everyone that have been part of my journey from inception. I pray God blesses you, and everything you touch turns to gold. We won; Africa, we are here.”

On her part, Nse Ikpe-Etim, whose role in ‘Four Four Forty-Four’ won her the ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’, expressed her gratitude with a terse yet powerful phrase, “grateful beyond words.”

Ikpe-Etim, who was absent at the ceremony, became the first Nigerian actress to win the award category after four years.

Also flying the Nigerian flag high with films is Jude Idada’s ‘Kofa’ which won the ‘Film by an African Abroad’ category. Cameroonian documentary film ‘Le spectre de Boko Haram’ also won the ‘Best Documentary’ category while ‘Lions’ and ‘Jabari’ won the awards for ‘Best Short Film and Best Animation’ categories.

Speaking at the event, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, a director of the board of Africa Film Academy, owners of AMAA, promised that the family will continue with the legacies of late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who impacted on the African film industry and filmmakers before her death. He stressed that the preparation for the 20th edition of AMAA has begun and promised to continue partnerships that have been created and made since the inception of the continental film award.

Another highlight of the night was the honour given to veteran actor, Charles Olumo, aka Agbako. He was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry as an actor of over 50 years of experience.