adminThere were stand out musical performances by some of Africa’s most gifted artistes, superstar red carpet arrivals that set the mood for a brilliant gala event and an impressive line-up of guest presenters but at the end of an incredible night (Saturday March 8), it was the hugely deserving winners of the 2014 AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS, once again held in association with MultiChoice Africa and Amstel Malta, who fittingly captured the night’s most heartfelt applause.
Broadcast live from Lagos to 50 African countries watching on DStv and GOtv, the second ever AMVCA’s handed out 29 awards in 27 categories, verified by the auditing firm of Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo.
Recognising outstanding achievements in African film and TV, awards on the night included top honours for rising star Michelle Bello (TrailBlazer of the Year) and accomplished veteran Peter Enochie (Industry Merit), who both also walked away with a Hyundai vehicle, courtesy of Stallion Motors.
Meanwhile, dynamic and multi-talented icon Rita Dominic, who was named the New Era award-winner, was the fortunate recipient of a Dubai cruise holiday for four, courtesy of World and Travel Land.
The night’s biggest winners at the EKO Exhibition Centre was Contract and Nairobi Half Life which scooped no less than four accolades each. Contract won for Best Movie Director (Shirley Frimpong-Manso), Best Movie (Shirley Frimpong Manso, Yvonne Okoro and Ken Attoh), Best Video Editor (Shirley Frimpong-Manso) and Best Writer (Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Hertey Owusu).
Nairobi Half Life took home awards for Best Lighting Designer (Mohamed Zain), Best Art Director (Barbara Minishi), Best Cinematographer (Christian Almesberger) and Best Make-Up Artist (Elayne Okaya).
Other notable winners included the first-ever AMVCA awarded for Best New Media — Online Video, heralding the arrival of a new generation of African storytellers.
Walking away with that coveted prize was Mother Tongue (Amarachukwu Onoh).
This year also marked the first ever AMVCA win for Best Documentary which went to “The Deadwood” (Dr Gilbert Chigbo), who impressed the judges for its imagery, technological standards and narrative structure.
Judges for this year’s AMVCA’s, ably led by the highly respected executive judge Femi Odugbemi, were once again individuals of enormous stature in the African film and TV community.
They were: Deborah Odutayo, Huthy Phad Mutumba, Jahman Anikulapo, Simon Ratcliffe, Steph Ogundele, Abraham Haile Biru, Zik Zulu and Linus Abraham.
They didn’t have to do all the hard work of the night though, because in nine categories, viewer votes determined the outcomes.
The winners of these closely contested categories were: “A Wish” by Elvis Chucks (Best Movie Comedy), “The Price” by Frank Rajah Arase (Best Movie Drama), Osita Iheme for “The Hero” (Best Actor in a Comedy Movie/TV Series), “Tope Tedela for A Mile From Home” (Best Actor in a Drama Movie/TV Series), Funke Akindele for “The Return of Sheri Koko” (Best Actress in a Comedy Movie/TV Series), Nse Ikpe-Etim for Journey to Self (Best Actress in a Drama Movie/TV Series), Desmond Elliot for “Finding Mercy” (Best Supporting Actor Movie/TV Series), Bikiya Graham-Douglas for “Flower Girl” (Best Supporting Actress Movie/TV Series) plus Best New Media — Online Video.
During the event, skilfully hosted by IK Osakioduwa, Osas Ighodaro and Vimbai Mutinhiri, with Eku Edewor and Denrele Edun on the Red Carpet, a veritable galaxy of stars took on guest presenter roles.
They included Majid Michel, Mike Ezuronye, Mercy Johnson, Gideon Okeke, Bimbo Manuel, Folake Coker and Uti Nwachukwu.
Meanwhile, among those making their mark on the ultra glamorous Red Carpet which preceded the all-important main event were: Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo, Mercy Aigbe, Kate Henshaw, Yvonne Okoro, Jocelyn Dumas, Kunbi Oyelese, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Joseph Benjamin, Alex Ekubo, IK Ogbonna, Jide Kosoko, Ramsey Nouah, Nick Mutuma, Sarah Hassan, Brian Okwara, Juliet Ebrahim, Rukky Sanda, Jackie Appiah and Funke Akindele. — DSTV.
Online Reporter