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The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards once again proved why it is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest nights in film, television and fashion. Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the glamorous event brought together celebrities, filmmakers, digital creators and fashion enthusiasts in a night filled with dramatic fashion statements and emotional award wins.
The AMVCA has grown beyond just celebrating excellence in African film and television. Over the years, it has become a major cultural showcase where stars compete not only for awards but also for attention on the red carpet. This year’s ceremony leaned heavily into theatrical fashion, with celebrities arriving in sculptural gowns, elaborate traditional outfits and oversized designs that required assistants to help carry them through the venue.
One of the most talked about appearances of the night came from reality television star Queen Mercy Atang, who arrived wearing a dress reportedly made from more than 500 loaves of bread. The unusual outfit instantly became a major talking point on social media and among guests at the ceremony. Surrounded by attendants carrying trays of bread, the reality star struggled to move freely as photographers and fans gathered around her.
Speaking during the event, Atang explained that the outfit was designed to promote her bread baking business. According to her, the AMVCA offered the perfect platform to advertise her brand. The dress was created by renowned designer Toyin Lawan of Tiannah’s Empire, who described the concept as part of a new trend encouraging celebrities to “wear your business”.
While some social media users praised the creativity and marketing strategy behind the look, others criticised it as wasteful, arguing that food should not be used for fashion displays. Atang, however, rejected the criticism and defended the concept behind the outfit.
Another striking appearance came from Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo, who wore a silver cathedral inspired gown designed by Abasswoman. The heavily structured dress was inspired by the famous Cologne Cathedral in Cologne and featured detailed architectural patterns and cathedral shaped extensions. According to the designer, work on the outfit began in November 2025 and was completed only two days before the event.
Nigerian actress Uche Montana also captured attention with a fiery red and gold feathered ensemble symbolising fire and rebirth. She explained that the design represented the rising of a phoenix and revealed that months of planning and significant financial investment had gone into creating the dramatic look. Her night became even more memorable after she received the AMVCA Trailblazer Award, recognising her growing influence in the film industry.
Away from the red carpet glamour, the award ceremony also delivered emotional and historic moments. Actor Bucci Franklin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in To Kill a Monkey, where he portrayed a loud and fiercely loyal cybercrime boss. Franklin dedicated the award to his mother, who passed away shortly before the film’s release. The film also earned the award for Best Cinematography.
Actress Linda Ejiofor made history during the ceremony by becoming the first performer to win both Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress in the same edition of the AMVCA. She won Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift and Best Supporting Actress for The Herd. Ejiofor described the moment as deeply emotional and thanked her family, especially her mother, for helping her perfect her Igbo pronunciation for one of the roles.
One of the biggest winners of the night was My Father’s Shadow directed by Akinola Davies Jr. The movie won Best Movie, Best Director and Best Writing, continuing its international recognition after becoming the first Nigerian film selected at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O Kanayo were also honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their long standing contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
From bread inspired gowns and cathedral themed fashion to emotional victories and historic wins, the AMVCA once again demonstrated how African cinema and fashion continue to evolve together, creating one of the continent’s most celebrated entertainment spectacles.
