AMVCA Streamlines Categories for 10th Edition

Vanessa Obioha

In a bid to align with global trends, the upcoming 10th edition of Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is set to undergo a transformation, reducing its categories from 33 to 27. This was announced by the organisers in a statement, alongside the call for entries.

This streamlining of categories, according to Head of Content and Channels West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola, is part of its bold initiative to realign with international benchmarks.

“Over the past decade, Africa Magic has steadfastly upheld its commitment to spotlighting authentic African stories, especially those that mirror our diverse and rich cultures. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, we embark on a bold initiative to reevaluate our award categories to further align with global trends and benchmarks. It would involve retiring specific categories, streamlining others, and revisiting the voting and non-voting classifications.”

The revised lineup includes 16 non-voting and nine audience voting categories, and two Recognition Awards – Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards.

Under the new rules, the jury will decide the winners of performance awards such as Best Actor or Best Actress in a Leading or Supporting Role, departing from the previous audience voting system.

Similarly, the jury will determine winners in the 16 non-voting categories, while the public will have a say in the remaining eight audience voting categories.

The non-voting categories include Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Director, Art Direction, Cinematography, and Costume Design. More categories include Best Writing in a Movie and TV Series, Best Movie and TV Series, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, and Best Sound Design, Editing, and Makeup.

The public can vote in categories like Best Scripted and Unscripted Africa Magic Original, Best Digital Content Creator, Best Indigenous Language (West, East, and Southern Africa), Best Multichoice Talent Factory Film, and Best Indigenous Africa Magic Original.

Filmmakers on the continent can now submit their movies and films publicly exhibited or broadcast between December 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, for this year’s edition.

The entry portal opens on January 15, 2024, and closes on February 14, 2024. All films (aired in cinemas or otherwise), made-for-television movies and television series, so long as they meet the terms and conditions, are eligible.