By Yemisi Suleiman

After a two-year hiatus, the AMVCA made a huge comeback this year, for its 8th edition with a week-long series of events which climaxed with the awards ceremony on Sunday night, honouring some of the finest in the African film industry.

The event which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island Lagos, as usual, was a parade of stunning creations on the red carpet. Nollywood stars came in ornate attires that pushed beyond the limits and readily delivered flamboyance. From Nengi’s ravishing red number and Tacha’s fantasy inspired dress, to Shaffy Bello’s drop-dead gorgeous look, the ladies brought it on for the night and took some chances along the way.

Actress Osas Ighodaro shone like the star that she is, as she stole the show in a daring and dazzling see-through dress by Vicky James. She did not only take home the awards as ‘Best Dressed Female’ this year, she also carted home the ‘Best Actress in Drama’ awards, while Denola Grey who never fails to impress, received the ‘Best Dressed Male’ awards. Both actors got a cash prize of N500, 000 each.

Asides, the recognition and awards for the best in the industry, there was plenty to discuss and generally delight over as the 8th annual AMVCA red carpet served up variety, glamour and high fashion. But, as usual, a few stars rose above the others in the fashion department to take the honour of Best Dressed of the night.

Here are our picks for the winners this year and some of the memorable moments from this year’s event.

Taiwo Ajai-Lycett Honoured With the Industry Merit Award

Veteran actor Taiwo Ajai Lycet who has been in the television and film industry for almost 60 years and still going strong was short of words as she was honoured with a standing ovation for her contribution to the industry over the years.

Lagbaja and Rema’s electrifying performance

We didn’t see this one coming, but we are happy it happened. Talk about a cross-generational performance, a brilliant one at that.

Broda Shaggi Won Best Actor in a Comedy

Instagram comedy sensation was finally rewarded albeit in a big way for his effort. More wins for Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi)

Funny (Oga Sabinus) Went Home with the Best Online Social Creator Awards

Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ejekwu was so surprised when he was announced the winner of this award. In a typical Oga Sabinus move, he made everyone laugh as he ran to the stage to pick up his awards.

Here is a full list of the winners.

1. Best Lighting Designer – Matthew Yusuf (Nneka the pretty serpent)
2. Best Art Director- Tunji Afolayan (Amina)
3. Best Writer in a movie or Tv series – Manie Oiseomaye, Donald Tombia, Biodun Stephen (Introducing the Kujus)
4. Best Cinematographer – Muhammed Atata Ahmed
5. Best Makeup- Balogun Abiodun (Omo ghetto the saga)
6. Best costume designer- Milicent T.Jack (Amina)
7. Best Sound editor- Jim Lively, James Nelson (Amina)
8. Best Online Content Creator- Mr. Sabnius
9. Best Indigenous Language (Swahili) – Freddy Feruzi
10. Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) – David Akande, Demola Yusuf, Edgard Leroy (Alaise)
11. Best Indigenous Language (Hausa)- Rogers Ofime (Voiceless)
12. Best Indigenous Language (Igbo) – Uche Nnanna Maduka (Nne-Ka)
13. Best Multichoice Talent Factory – Daisy Masembe (Engaito)
14. Best Soundtrack- Pascal Aka and Raquel (Gold Coast Lounge)
15. Best Picture Editor-Tunde Apalowo ( For Maria Ebun Pataki)
16. Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series- The Johnsons (Roger Ofime)
17. Best TV Series (Drama or Comedy)- The Mystic River (Rogers Ofime)
18. Best Movie W/Africa- Bolanle Austen-Peters, Joseph Umoibom, James Amuta (Collision Course)
19. Best Movie (East Africa)– Morocco Omari (The Girl In The Yellow Jumper)
20. Best Movie (Southern Africa)- Dantagos Jimmy-Melani (Hairareb)
21. Best Documentary- Saitabao Kaiyare, Mumo Liku Elena Schilling, Daniela Fritz, Ann Katrina Boberg (If Objects Could Speak)
22. Best Actress in a Drama- Osas Ighodaro (Rattlesnake)
23. Best Actor in a Drama- Stan Nze (Rattlesnake)
24. Best Actress in a Comedy- Funke Akindele Bello (Omo Ghetto: The Saga)
25. Best Actor in a Comedy- Samuel Perry ‘Broda Shaggi’ (Dwindle)
26. Best Supporting Actress- Omowunmi Dada (Country Hard)
27. Best Supporting Actor (Movie or TV Series)- Odunlade Adekola (Jankariwo)
28. Best Short Film or Online Video- Taiwo Ogunnimo (I am the prostitute mama described)
29. Best Online Content Creator- Oga Sabinus
30. Best Overall Movie- Amina (Izu Ojukwu, Okey Ogunjiofor)
31. Best Director (Movie)- Ramsey Nouah (Rattlesnake)
32. Special recognition award – Tinsel
33. Trail blazer award- Teniola Aladese
34. Industry merit award- Taiwo Ajayi Lycett

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