The Herd, To Kill A Monkey, Behind The Scenes… 5 films to look out for at 2026 AMVCA

07 May 2026, 14:06 by Taiwo Oshunloye · TheCable Lifestyle

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is fast approaching, with the main event taking place on March 9.

The event is scheduled to take place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos and will be hosted by comedian Bovi and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha.

But before the first applause and the first tearful speech, there’s a question simmering in every movie lover’s mind: which film will rise above the rest and claim the night as its own?

At an awards show where box office numbers, critical acclaim, audience votes, and jury nods all collide, the battle is fierce. Yet a few movies have already pulled ahead of the pack.

TheCable Lifestyle casts a spotlight on five films expected to dazzle, dominate, and perhaps take home a trophy or more at the 2026 AMVCAs.

1. ‘The Herd’

Nine nominations. A director’s bold first step. And a story that refuses to look away.

Daniel Etim-Effiong’s debut ‘The Herd’ doesn’t just entertain, it holds a mirror to Nigeria’s bleeding wounds: insecurity and banditry.

Audiences felt it. Critics praised its cinematography and soul-stirring performances. With the most nods of any film this year, it enters the arena not just as a contender, but as a force of nature.

2. ‘To Kill A Monkey’

When Kemi Adetiba’s mini-series dropped on Netflix, the internet lost its cool. And it never quite recovered.

‘To Kill A Monkey’ was more than a show, it was a conversation starter, a suspense machine, and a showcase for Bucci Franklin’s chilling, unforgettable turn as “Oboz”.

That role alone sparked thousands of tweets, reviews, and debates. Expect the AMVCA stage to echo that buzz.

3. ‘My Father’s Shadow’

Before it even arrives at the AMVCA, this film already has international bragging rights.

‘My Father’s Shadow’ recently won ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer’ at the 79th British Academy Film Awards.

Armed with seven nominations and a reputation for emotional heft and masterful storytelling, it now returns home hungry for more glory. Don’t bet against it.

4. ‘Gingerrr’

Nine nominations. A genre-bending blend of comedy and crime. And a cast packed with fan favourites: Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Wunmi Toriola.

‘Gingerr’ crackles with unpredictability. It makes you laugh, then holds you at the edge of your seat. If the night has a wild card — a film that could sprint away with a handful of statues — this is it.

5. ‘Behind The Scenes’

Five nods or fifty, this is the elephant in the room.

Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ is the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. Its story is relatable, its cultural ripple is enormous, and its audience love is unwavering. Even with fewer nominations than its rivals, it would be no shock to see it leave Eko Hotel with gold in hand.

Honourable mentions include: ‘Colours Of Fire’, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ and ‘Lisabi: A Legend Is Born’.

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