Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2025 delivered an electrifying evening on Sunday, November 9, as more than 500 film practitioners from across Africa and the diaspora gathered at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, for one of the continent’s biggest celebrations of cinema.

The ceremony opened on a high note with a vibrant performance from the Ebony Band, setting the tone for a night that blended artistry with emotion.

Guests rose to their feet, singing along and swaying to the rhythm, turning the awards gala into a moment of shared musical heritage.

Beyond the music, AMAA 2025 offered a rich display of storytelling. A short stage drama featuring veteran actor Pete Edochie  as a divine figure and Tony Umez as a troubled seeker captivated audiences with its exploration of national issues.

The night’s top honors highlighted the depth and diversity of African filmmaking. Cold Dishes, co-produced by Afrobeats star and Grammy winner Burna Boy  alongside Osas Ighodaro, emerged as one of the standout winners.

The multilingual thriller took home Best Nigerian Film and Best Young/Promising Actor for Ruby Akubueze, whose gripping performance in the story of three trafficking survivors seeking justice resonated strongly with audiences and judges alike.

In the acting categories, Nollywood heavyweight  Lateef Adedimeji claimed  Best Actor in a Leading Role for Lisabi: The Uprising, while acclaimed actress Tina Mba  secured  Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her compelling performance in The Serpent Gift.

South Africa’s The Heart Is a Muscle dominated several key categories, including Best Film, Cinematography, Editing, and Best Debut Feature, earning director Imran Hamdulay one of the night’s loudest applauses.

Burkina Faso’s Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions also shone, picking up awards for Best Film in an African Language, Screenplay , and Costume Design.

Ethiopia recorded a major milestone as Tewodros Teshome’s film, For Love, For Land, For Power, won for Visual Effects, earning continental acclaim for its portrayal of patriotism and the valor of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces.

In his welcome remarks, AMAA CEO  Dr. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe praised African filmmakers for elevating the continent’s cinematic identity on the global stage.

“We salute Nollywood and all creatives whose accomplishments have earned African cinema international recognition,” he said. “Nigeria is vital and vibrant, but her finest contribution comes when she complements the whole through collaboration, not competition.”

By the end of the five-hour ceremony, 26 awards had been presented to filmmakers, actors, cinematographers, producers, costumiers, and technical crews from across the continent—a testament to the growing strength, diversity, and creativity of African cinema.

AMAA 2025 will be remembered not just for its winners, but for its celebration of the collective spirit that continues to propel African storytelling onto the world stage.