The Best Lead Actress race at the 12th AMVCA, set for 9 May 2026 in Lagos, is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in the awards’ history, featuring a diverse lineup of eight talented women who represent the full spectrum of Nollywood’s evolution. Headed by legendary actress Joke Silva as judge, the category includes veteran stars, rising talents, and even a celebrated theatre director making her screen debut. This year’s nominees reflect not just excellence in performance, but also the rich emotional and narrative depth that defines Nigerian storytelling.
Linda Ejiofor, known for her powerful supporting roles, steps into the spotlight with her leading performance in The Serpent’s Gift, a Yoruba-rooted drama exploring inherited secrets and cultural identity. The film earned six AMVCA nominations, including Best Movie and Best Cinematography. Ejiofor also earned a Best Supporting Actress nod for her role in The Herd, making her a double nominee this year. She previously won Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for The Meeting, marking a decade-long journey to this moment.
Bimbo Akintola brings her signature intensity to To Kill A Monkey, a Netflix hit directed by Kemi Adetiba. As Inspector Mo, she plays a law enforcement officer haunted by personal loss while hunting a cybercrime syndicate. Her performance is both sharp and restrained, earning her a place among the year’s top contenders. Akintola has been a mainstay in Nollywood for over 30 years, previously nominated for 93 Days and Wives on Strike, and this nomination underscores her enduring relevance.
Ifeoma Fafunwa, a renowned playwright and director behind HEAR WORD!, makes her screen acting debut in The Lost Days. She portrays Chisom, a businesswoman in remission from lymphoma who returns to Abeokuta to reconnect with her past. Director Wingonia Ikpi praised her unique energy, and her nomination marks a significant milestone in her career.
Ariyike Owolagba earns her first AMVCA nod for her role in Something About The Briggs, a film about generational curses in marriage. As Sophie Briggs, a lawyer who fears a family curse, she delivers a nuanced performance that has earned her a place among seasoned actresses.
Genoveva Umeh, who won Best Supporting Actress in 2024 for Breath of Life, returns with a powerful lead role in The Herd. Playing Derin, a bride abducted by bandits after her wedding, she navigates grief and survival with raw emotion. Her second nomination, along with a Best Digital Content Creator nod, highlights her expanding range.
Sola Sobowale, a powerhouse in Nollywood, is nominated for her role as Moyeni, the First Lady in Her Excellency. Her portrayal of a woman obsessed with control reveals layers of fragility beneath the power. She is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Covenant, showcasing her versatility.
Scarlet Gomez, star of the record-breaking Behind The Scenes, which grossed over ₦2.1 billion in 2025, plays Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a generous real estate mogul burdened by family expectations. This nomination follows her 2023 nod for Wura, cementing her status as a box office queen.
Gloria Anozie-Young, a veteran whose career spans decades, is nominated for her role as Mai Sisi in Mother of the Brides. As a matriarch fighting to hold onto her legacy, she delivers a fierce, calculated performance that is both commanding and vulnerable. Her inclusion in this category is a long-overdue recognition of her contributions to Nigerian cinema.
This year’s Best Lead Actress nominees are not just competing for a trophy—they are representing the future of Nollywood, where legacy and innovation meet on equal footing. The 2026 AMVCA promises to be a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema, with these women at its heart.
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