Nollywood films Jagun Jagun and The Weekend dominated the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), clinching numerous awards for Nigerian cinema.
The 20th edition of the awards was held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos on Saturday, November 2 and hosted by celebrated Nollywood actor Segun Arinze alongside Ghanaian actress and TV host Joselyn Dumas. Established in 2005, AMAA continues to champion African cinema, recognising excellence across the continent’s film industry.
Directed by Daniel Oriahi, The Weekend took home the prestigious Best Film award and also won for Achievement in Cinematography, among other accolades. The film features notable Nollywood actors, including Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, and Gloria Anozie.
Renowned actor and producer Femi Adebayo earned the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for his performance in Jagun Jagun. Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, this action-filled Yoruba drama stars Lateef Adedimeji, Faithia Williams, Odunlade Adekola, and Ibrahim Yekini, contributing to its impactful portrayal of Nigerian storytelling.
This year’s awards were determined by a 12-member jury committee chaired by filmmaker and writer Dorothee Wenner, and included Steve Ayorinde, former Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Full List of Winners
Best Film
The Weekend — WINNER
Under The Hanging Tree
This is Lagos
A Smile, A Wink and A Tear
Orah
Letters to Goddo
The Queenstown Kings
Achievement in Cinematography
The Weekend — WINNER
Nawi
Kipkemboi
Letters to Goddo
This is Lagos
The Queenstown Kings
A Smile, A Wink and A Tear
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun) — WINNER
Sandile Mahlangu (The Queenstown Kings)
Ochungo Benson (Nawi)
Keppy Ekpeyong-Bassey (The Weekend)
Ikechukwu Onunaku (This is Lagos)
Lucky Ejim (Orah)
Solomon Fixon Owoo (Letters to Goddo)
Achievement in Make-Up
Jagun Jagun — WINNER
The Weekend
Nawi
Letters to Goddo
Out of Breath
Anjola
White and Black
Achievement in Visual Effects
Jagun Jagun — WINNER
Kipkemboi
Under The Hanging Tree
The Weekend
Bokwagter
Out of Breath
Achievement in Screenplay
The Weekend — WINNER
Under The Hanging Tree
Letter To Goddo
This is Lagos
Boda Love
The Queenstown Kings
Out of Breath
NFVCB Award for Best Nigerian Film
The Weekend — WINNER
This is Lagos
Afamefuna
Jagun Jagun
Mai Martaba
A Smile, A Wink and a Tear
Out of Breath
Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
The Last Shoe Maker (Uganda) – WINNER
Seben (Mali)
Dear Future Wife (South Africa)
Isolated (Nigeria)
Joia (Angola)
Strike A Blow And Die (Malawi)
Don’t Call Me Beautiful (Ghana)
Sins Of A Father (Zimbabwe/USA)
The event also saw notable recognitions such as the Lifetime Achievement Award for Souleymane Cisse (Mali), Nacer Khemir (Tunisia), and Haile Gerima (Ethiopia), honouring their lifelong contributions to African cinema.
The 2024 AMAA Awards celebrated not only technical and artistic excellence but also the resilience and innovation driving Africa’s film industry.