The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos on Saturday delivered memorable moments, emotional speeches and major wins, but it also left many fans debating unexpected losses by some of Nollywood’s biggest names.
While the film My Father’s Shadow emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, several actors, filmmakers and digital creators considered fan favourites failed to clinch awards, triggering conversations across social media.
Among the most talked-about disappointments was actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, whose film Behind The Scenes had been widely tipped for multiple wins following its commercial success and online popularity.
Akindele lost in the Best Supporting Actress category to Linda Ejiofor for her role in The Herd, while Behind The Scenes also missed out on the Best Movie award despite strong expectations from fans.
“Many movie lovers expected stronger recognition for Funke Akindele’s performance and the film’s success at the box office,” some entertainment observers noted after the event.
Actress Scarlet Gomez was another name repeatedly mentioned online after failing to secure a major acting prize despite receiving praise for her role in Behind The Scenes.
Fans argued that her performance carried emotional depth deserving of greater recognition.
Similarly, Gingerrr, a film that entered the awards with nine nominations, failed to convert its strong showing into major victories.
The project, featuring stars including Kie Kie, Wunmi Toriola, Bisola Aiyeola and Bolaji Ogunmola, had generated significant anticipation due to its popularity and audience reception.
Actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong also emerged among notable names many viewers believed deserved more recognition.
Although The Herd secured wins through Linda Ejiofor’s performance, some fans maintained that Etim-Effiong’s contribution to the production merited acknowledgement.
Actress Genoveva Umeh also failed to secure a win despite receiving praise for her performance in The Herd, where many believed her emotionally driven role stood out.
In the digital content category, content creator Akwaman was considered one of the surprise losses after failing to win despite strong support online.
His skit, Did I Just Hear Muah, had dominated internet conversations and gained traction as a viral meme.
“The online support for Akwaman was massive, with many social media users predicting he would emerge winner in the category,” entertainment enthusiasts said.
Popular skit maker Taooma also left the ceremony without an award despite remaining one of the category’s most recognisable nominees.
Likewise, content creator Steve Chuks failed to secure a win despite strong backing from supporters who praised his cinematic storytelling style.
Actor Femi Adebayo was another figure many fans believed deserved greater recognition for his role in Agesinkole 2, which had generated attention ahead of the awards.
Filmmaker Kemi Adetiba and her project To Kill A Monkey also experienced mixed fortunes at the event.
Despite receiving several nominations and winning technical categories, the production missed out on some major awards, including Best Scripted Series.
Its music score nominee, Oscar Heman-Ackah, also lost the Best Music Score category.
Reality television series The Real Housewives of Lagos was another project many fans expected to triumph due to its popularity and cultural relevance, but it failed to secure the Best Unscripted Series award.
Despite the disappointment for some nominees, the ceremony also celebrated industry veterans.
Veteran actress Sola Sobowale received an Industry Merit Award in recognition of her contribution to Nollywood, while actor Kanayo O. Kanayo was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“These recognitions brought emotional moments to the ceremony and reminded audiences of the industry’s enduring legends,” observers noted.
