Filmmaker Mildred Okwo has raised concerns about the future of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), suggesting that this year’s edition could mark the awards’ last outing. Okwo made the comments on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, sparking widespread speculation about the sustainability of the prestigious Nollywood event amid recent shifts in ownership and content strategies.
“I will be very surprised if this AMVCA is not the farewell edition,” Okwo wrote on her X account, hinting at potential challenges facing the awards moving forward.
Concerns Over Commercial Viability and New Ownership
Her statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the commercial viability of the AMVCA, especially following MultiChoice’s recent changes in ownership. The filmmaker also expressed doubts about the new owners’ interest in maintaining the high-cost event, which has become a cornerstone of African film recognition.
“I doubt the new owners will be interested in shows that don’t make a serious ROI (Return on Investment) in the first few years of buying the business. It costs a lot of money to produce that show,” Okwo continued in another X post. This comment highlights growing concerns about the future of traditional television events in an increasingly digital-first media environment.
The Shift Toward Streaming and Digital Platforms
The speculation surrounding the AMVCA also aligns with MultiChoice’s strategic pivot toward its streaming platform, Showmax, which has been positioned as a major driver of the company’s future growth. As the competition in the digital entertainment space intensifies, MultiChoice has been focusing heavily on expanding its streaming services, leading to questions about the long-term sustainability of costly live TV events like the AMVCA.
In July 2025, Canal+, the French media giant, acquired the remaining shares in MultiChoice, a move that reshaped the company’s operations. The deal emphasizes a stronger focus on digital expansion and streaming platforms, raising further questions about the AMVCA’s role in the future.
The 2026 AMVCA: A Milestone Event
Despite these concerns, the 12th edition of the AMVCA is currently underway, with the final votes for the awards now closed. Winners will be announced on May 9, 2026, during a live broadcast across Africa Magic channels. The event will feature 32 categories, including 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special honours like Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards.
This year’s edition is marked by the introduction of two new categories to strengthen the AMVCA’s pan-African representation: Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa) and Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa). Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as the Head Judge for the 2026 AMVCA, following in the footsteps of Femi Odugbemi.
AMVCA: A Changing Landscape for Nollywood Awards
The 2026 edition’s introduction of new categories and its continued focus on celebrating the diversity of African cinema reflect the importance of the AMVCA as a platform for showcasing African talent. However, Okwo’s comments raise important questions about whether such high-cost productions will continue to thrive as digital platforms like Showmax and Netflix redefine the entertainment landscape.
As the AMVCA’s future hangs in the balance, industry insiders and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the event evolves, particularly in light of the growing dominance of streaming services across the African continent.
