A dazzling lineup of African film stars will headline the 20th edition of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), set to take place in Lagos on November 2, 2024. Among the prominent figures gracing the event are Nigeria’s top actors Femi Adebayo, Keppy Ekpeyong-Bassey, and Osita Iheme; Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah; Kenya’s Kenneth Ambani; and Burkina Faso’s Charles Koutou. These stars will join a host of other African creatives to celebrate excellence in filmmaking across the continent.
The highly anticipated event was confirmed by AMAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, and shared by Chief Operating Officer Tony Anih after a recent board meeting of the Africa Film Academy, which owns and operates AMAA. The 20th edition is set to be a milestone celebration, not only marking two decades of recognizing the best in African cinema but also fulfilling the vision of AMAA’s late founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
“The 20th edition of the AMAA is a big deal, and we are not just going to be rolling out in a big way, we are intentional about making this one of the best AMAAs that Africans will celebrate,” said Anyiam-Osigwe. He emphasized that the event will be a fitting tribute to Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, whose commitment to highlighting African filmmaking talent was central to her life’s work. “This has always been what our late sister and founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, had been planning and wished for before her death, and we will actualize that dream to the glory of God, in honor of her legacy and the strides of the African film sector,” he added.
The AMAA, often referred to as the “African Oscars,” has become one of the most significant platforms for celebrating African films and talents, bringing together creatives from across the continent and the diaspora. This year’s event, being hosted in partnership with the Lagos State Government, promises to be one of the most memorable yet, drawing stars from across the African continent and beyond.
Alongside the high-profile Nigerian and Ghanaian actors, the list of confirmed attendees includes a wide range of African cinema heavyweights. Lydia Forson, Chinedu Ikedieze, Micheal Majid, Adjetey Anna, Morris Sam, and Zuby Michaels have all confirmed their attendance, ensuring that this year’s AMAA will be a star-studded affair.
Since its inception, the AMAA has sought to recognize the best in African storytelling, from feature films and short films to documentaries and animations. The awards celebrate not only the actors and directors but also the many behind-the-scenes professionals who contribute to the magic of cinema, such as screenwriters, producers, costume designers, and cinematographers.
The 2024 edition is expected to attract over 60 film practitioners from different African countries, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the African film industry. The event will feature a range of award categories, including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and several technical awards, ensuring that various aspects of filmmaking excellence are acknowledged.
The Africa Movie Academy Awards also play an essential role in enhancing the visibility of African films globally. By recognizing and rewarding top-notch talent, the AMAA helps to foster new opportunities for African filmmakers, actors, and producers to gain international recognition and collaboration. Over the years, it has also served as a springboard for many African films to reach broader audiences, from major international film festivals to global streaming platforms.
As the 20th edition approaches, excitement continues to build across the African film community. With the AMAA having played a significant role in the evolution of African cinema, this year’s event will not only honor the stars of today but also celebrate the rich history and growth of African film over the past two decades.
In the words of Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, “The AMAA is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of African talent, creativity, and our unique stories. This year’s event will embody everything that Peace Anyiam-Osigwe envisioned—a grand gathering of African creatives who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation.”
The collaboration with the Lagos State Government underscores the importance of Lagos as a thriving cultural hub for the African creative industry. As the host city, Lagos is expected to put on a spectacular event, continuing its legacy of supporting and promoting African cinema. The event will further enhance Lagos’s status as a vibrant center for entertainment, creativity, and culture on the continent.
The 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and with the attendance of some of the biggest names in African cinema, it promises to be a landmark celebration of African storytelling, creativity, and excellence in film.
