Nigeria’s film industry recorded major wins on Sunday as actors Lateef Adedimeji and Tina Mba, alongside the multilingual thriller 3 Cold Dishes co-produced by Burna Boy, shone brightly at the 21st Africa Movie Academy Awards held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The emotionally charged 3 Cold Dishes, which tells the story of three women from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin who reconnect years after surviving human trafficking to seek justice against their abusers, took home the award for Best Nigerian Film.
The production also earned rising star Ruby Akubueze the recognition for Best Young/Promising Actor, further spotlighting the film’s strong performances and thematic intensity.
Lateef Adedimeji claimed the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Lisabi: The Uprising, while Tina Mba was honoured as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in The Serpent Gift. Actress Florence Mariserena also gained continental acclaim, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for Small Gods.
Highlighting the spirit of unity in African filmmaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Film Academy, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, praised the continent’s storytellers for their creative evolution and global cultural impact.
“We celebrate the filmmakers who continue to strengthen Africa’s voice in cinema,” he said. “Collaboration remains our greatest advantage in telling stories that resonate across borders.”
South Africa’s The Heart Is a Muscle emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, taking the award for Best Film while also securing honours for Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Debut Feature for its director Imran Hamdulay.
Burkina Faso equally recorded a strong showing, as Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions won Best Film in an African Language and received recognition for Best Screenplay and Achievement in Costume Design.
The ceremony also featured a moving tribute segment for filmmakers who passed away between January and November 2025, a dramatic stage performance led by veteran actor Pete Edochie, and musical performances from Made Kuti and other artistes.
Notable attendees included Bukky Wright, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Jide Achufusi, and filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, among others, reinforcing AMAA’s continued role as one of Africa’s most prestigious film gatherings.
