The 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) turned into a night of big wins for Nigerian stars, with Burna Boy’s co-produced film 3 Cold Dishes emerging one of the biggest victors alongside Nollywood favourites Lateef Adedimeji and Tina Mba.
Held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, the 21st edition of the annual continental celebration honoured Africa’s finest storytellers, filmmakers, and actors in a night filled with music, emotions, and remarkable recognition.
3 Cold Dishes, co-produced by Burna Boy and Osas Ighodaro, took home Best Nigerian Film and Best Young/Promising Actor for Ruby Akubueze. The multilingual thriller tells the story of three women from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin who reunite years after surviving human trafficking to seek revenge on their abusers, a powerful narrative that resonated deeply with audiences and jurors alike.
Nollywood Stars Take Centre Stage
Lateef Adedimeji clinched Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Lisabi: The Uprising, a historical drama inspired by the Egba hero Lisabi. Veteran actress Tina Mba also earned the Best Supporting Actress award for her stirring role in The Serpent Gift.
The ceremony opened with a lively performance by the Ebony Band, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. AMAA Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, praised African filmmakers for their continued efforts in redefining global cinema.
“Nigeria remains vital and vibrant, but her finest contribution comes when she complements the whole through collaboration, not competition,” he said.
Six members of the AMAA jury presented 26 awards across acting, directing, cinematography, and technical categories, celebrating creativity across the continent.
Africa’s Stories, Global Recognition
South Africa’s The Heart Is a Muscle claimed the Best Film award, along with Cinematography, Editing, and Best Debut Feature by director Imran Hamdulay. Burkina Faso’s Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions followed closely, winning Best Film in an African Language, Screenplay, and Costume Design.
The night also featured performances from Made Kuti, Rizyn Band, and DJ Kenchello, with a touching stage play starring Pete Edochie and Tony Umez. A tribute segment honoured African film practitioners who passed away between January and November 2025.
Guests included Bukky Wright, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Lancelot Imasuen, and former Lagos Commissioner Uzamat Yusuf, adding more star power to the glamour-filled night.
The 2025 AMAA reaffirmed Africa’s growing voice in world cinema, and for Burna Boy, Lateef Adedimeji, and Tina Mba, it was a night that sealed their names among the continent’s most celebrated storytellers.
Also read: AMVCA 2025 Showcases African Cinema’s Finest, with Lisabi: The Uprising Dominating Awards
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