The 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Supporting Actress category is one of the most competitive in the event’s history, featuring eight powerful performances from across Nigeria and beyond. The ceremony, set for May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, will be hosted by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, with veteran actress Joke Silva serving as Head Judge. This year’s nominees include established stars, rising talents, and a Kenyan actress making a notable continental debut, all recognized for roles that shaped pivotal narratives in 2025’s most talked-about films and series.
Linda Ejiofor, a double nominee this year, delivers a gripping performance as Adamma in Daniel Etim Effiong’s crime thriller The Herd. Her character, left behind after her husband is kidnapped, battles financial and familial obstacles while raising a ₦50 million ransom. Ejiofor’s portrayal highlights the social and cultural pressures faced by women, especially within Igbo traditions. She is also nominated for Best Lead Actress for The Serpent’s Gift, marking her return to the AMVCAs after winning Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for The Meeting.
Amal Umar, also from The Herd, earns her first AMVCA acting nomination for her nuanced portrayal of a bandit camp member. Her performance brings depth to a character that could have been reduced to stereotype, adding emotional complexity to the film’s central conflict. The Herd received nine nominations overall, reflecting its critical and technical acclaim.
Funke Akindele, the most awarded actress in AMVCA history, is nominated in the supporting category for her role in Behind the Scenes, the first Nollywood film to cross ₦2 billion at the West African box office. She also directed the film, showcasing her full creative control. Bisola Aiyeola, executive producer of the mystery-comedy-heist Gingerrr, is nominated for her role as Sylvia, a vibrant character hiding a terminal illness. Her performance earned critical praise for its emotional range.
Olamide Kidbaby, a social media personality turned actress, receives her first AMVCA nomination for her role in Toyin Abraham’s comedy Oversabi Aunty. Sola Sobowale, a veteran actress, is recognized for her commanding presence in the thriller series The Covenant. Nadia Dutch, in her first AMVCA nomination, shines in the Hausa-language drama Aljana, a film also nominated for Best Indigenous Language Film and Best Art Direction. Juliebrenda Nyambura from Kenya’s MTV Shuga Mashariki makes history with her nomination, marking a rare continental inclusion in the acting categories.
This year’s Best Supporting Actress race reflects the diversity and depth of African storytelling, with performances that challenge, inspire, and resonate across borders. As the AMVCAs continue to evolve, this category signals a shift toward broader recognition of talent beyond national lines.
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