My Father’s Shadow Wins Best Film at AMVCA 12

By Adedapo Adesanya

Critically acclaimed drama, My Father’s Shadow, emerged as the winner of the prestigious Best Movie category at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award.

The win, at the showpiece held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, cements its place among the most celebrated African films of recent years.

The award was received by producers, Ms Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Ms Rachel Dargavel, whose work on the project has continued to attract widespread recognition both within and outside Africa.

Africa Magic described the movie as a production that “delivered on every level: story, craft, and impact,” applauding its artistic depth, emotional storytelling and cinematic excellence. The category was sponsored by Don Julio.

Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. in his feature film debut and co-written with his brother Wale “Tec” Davies, My Father’s Shadow tells a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tense political atmosphere during the 1993 election crisis.

The film follows two young brothers navigating the chaotic streets of Lagos alongside their estranged father, a journalist and activist, as the nation grapples with uncertainty during the transition from military rule.

The film, shot entirely on 16mm film, blends intimate family drama with political history, creating a visually striking narrative praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance.

The production stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù alongside brothers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, whose performances received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences.

Before its AMVCA triumph, My Father’s Shadow had already achieved significant international success, becoming the first Nigerian film selected for the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or.

The movie also secured several global honours, including a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut, recognition at the Gotham Awards and a place on the BBC’s list of the best films of 2026.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES & WINNERS

Best Digital Content Creator

Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom — Leave to Live

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (North Africa)

Our Memories

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (East Africa)

Inside Job – Kamau Wandug’u et al.

Sayari – Omar Hamza, June Wairegi

Addis Fikir – Leul Shoaferaw [WINNER]

My Son – Isarito Mwakalindile

Kimote – Hassan Mageye

BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (WEST AFRICA)

The Serpent’s Gift – Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born – Lateef Adedimeji [WINNER]

Labake Olododo – Iyabo Ojo et al.

Aljana – Grace Yakubu

Olorisha – Abiola Adeshina

BEST EDITING

To Kill A Monkey — WINNER

Cordelia

My Father’s Shadow

Landline

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Beyond Olympic Glory — WINNER

The Good x The Bad of Afrobeat

The People Shall

Not Addressing This Anymore

BOU

BEST SHORT FILM

Rise – Jessie J. Rowlands

Fleas – Jordy Sank

Telephone – Fimisinuola Adejonwo

Hussainin – Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa [WINNER]

My Body, God’s Temple – Uzoamaka Power

BEST SCORE/MUSIC

My Father’s Shadow — WINNER

3 Cold Dishes

Osamede

Gingerrr

The Party

MTV Shuga Mashariki

To Kill A Monkey

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

Nigerian Idol (S10) — WINNER (Sulaiman Kassim and Ameke)

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Chapa Chapa My Love

Out N About (Harar)

Undugu

Best Scripted M-Net Original

Adam To Eve

Mother of the Brides

The Yard

The Low Priest (Femi Ogunsanwo)— WINNER

Bobo

Best Supporting Actress

Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty

Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr

Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Series

Nadia Dutch – Aljana

Amal Umar – The Herd

Juliebrenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki

Funke Akindele – Behind The Scene

Linda Ejiofor —The Herd [WINNER]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard

Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr

Gabriel Afolayan – Colours of Fire

Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey [WINNER]

Femi Adeboye – Agesinkole 2

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes

Best Lead Actor

Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty

Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born

William Benson – To Kill A Monkey

Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey

Khumbuza Meyiwa – Bet I Love You

Uzor Arukwe – Colours of Fire —[WINNER]

Wale Ojo – 3 Cold Dishes

Femi Branch – Red Circle

Uche Montana wins TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Best Series (Unscripted)

The Real Housewives of Lagos S3

Nigerian Idol S10

Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Offair With Gbemi and Toolz

Out N’ About (Harar) — [WINNER]

Best Series Scripted — Inimba [WINNER]

Best Director

Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow —[WINNER]

Tunde Kelani – Cordelia

James Kalu Omokwe – Osamede

Daniel Etim-Effiong – The Herd

Yemi Morafa – Gingerrr

Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Movie

Gingerrr

The Herd

My Father’s Shadow— [WINNER]

3 Cold Dishes

The Serpent’s Gift

Behind The Scenes