The 2026 AMVCA Best Supporting Actor category is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and celebrated in the history of the awards, featuring a diverse lineup of actors from both established and rising talents in Nollywood. With the 12th edition of the AMVCA set for May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, eight nominees are vying for the prestigious title, each bringing powerful performances from critically acclaimed films and series. This year’s nominees include Sinmileoluwa Hassan, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch, Bucci Franklin, and Uzor Arukwe, all of whom have delivered standout roles that have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Sinmileoluwa Hassan earns his first AMVCA nomination for his compelling portrayal in “The Yard,” a gripping series that explores the gradual moral decline of its protagonist. His performance is central to the show’s emotional depth, and the series itself has received multiple nominations, including Best Scripted M-Net Original and Best Series Scripted. Hassan’s nomination marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his ability to carry complex narratives with subtlety and strength.
Lateef Adedimeji leads the acting nominations this year with a historic triple nod, earning Best Supporting Actor nominations for both “Gingerrr” and “Red Circle,” alongside a Best Lead Actor nod for “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born.” “Gingerrr” leads the 2026 AMVCA race with nine nominations overall. Adedimeji, who previously won Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) in 2025 as executive producer of “Lisabi: The Uprising,” is now aiming for his first acting win at the ceremony.
Femi Adebayo returns as a heavyweight contender, reprising his iconic role in “Agesinkole (King of Thieves) 2,” which places him in the Supporting Actor category. He previously won Best Lead Actor at the 2025 AMVCA for “Seven Doors,” showcasing his continued dominance in Nollywood. Gabriel Afolayan, the reigning Best Supporting Actor from the 2025 AMVCA for “Inside Life,” is back with a nomination for “Colours of Fire,” where he plays a pivotal character in a fantasy epic.
Femi Branch is also in the running for his role in the comedy “Owambe Thieves,” which explores the financial struggles of new parenthood. This nomination comes alongside a Best Lead Actor nod for “Red Circle,” demonstrating his versatility. Bucci Franklin, known for his role in the Netflix hit “To Kill A Monkey,” returns to the Supporting Actor category after previous nominations for “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story” and “The Weekend.”
Uzor Arukwe, who previously earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination in 2025 for “Suspicion,” is now up for the same award for “Behind the Scenes,” the first Nollywood film to surpass N1 billion in 19 days. He also received a Best Lead Actor nomination for “Colours of Fire,” making him a strong contender across multiple categories.
As the countdown to the 2026 AMVCA continues, the Best Supporting Actor race promises to be a highlight of the night, recognizing the vital contributions of actors who shape the emotional and narrative backbone of Nollywood’s most impactful stories.
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