The 12th AMVCA ceremony is set for May 9, 2026, and with that date approaching, Nollywood fans are diving into the nominated films ahead of the awards. Five standout movies and series, all available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Kava TV, have earned multiple nominations and are must-watches for anyone following this year’s awards season. These films cover a range of genres—from intense thrillers to gripping political dramas—offering something for every viewer.
One of the most nominated films is The Herd, which received nine nominations including Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Lead Actress. Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong in his feature debut, the film follows a newlywed couple and their best man who are kidnapped by gunmen posing as herdsmen. The story, written by Lani Aisida, is a tense exploration of survival and love under extreme pressure. Starring Genoveva Umeh, Linda Ejiofor, Kunle Remi, Mercy Aigbe, Lateef Adedimeji, Tina Mba, Deyemi Okanlawon, Norbert Young, and Amal Umar, The Herd premiered on Netflix in November 2025 after a successful theatrical run.
Another major contender is To Kill A Monkey, an eight-episode series created, written, directed, and produced by Kemi Adetiba and her brother Remi Adetiba. The series follows Efemini, a desperate programmer drawn into cybercrime and fraud, with a moral complexity that keeps viewers engaged. William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, Stella Damasus, Michael Ejoor, Chidi Mokeme, Teniola Aladese, and Lilian Afegbai star in this gripping thriller that explores the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2025, Behind The Scenes, is now streaming on Netflix and has earned five AMVCA nominations, including Best Movie and Best Lead Actress. Directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, and produced by Funke Akindele and Wendy Uwadiae Imasuen, the film centers on Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a successful real estate entrepreneur whose life unravels due to betrayal. The cast includes Scarlet Gomez, Destiny Etiko, Ibrahim Chatta, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, and Iyabo Ojo, with Funke Akindele delivering a powerful performance.
Her Excellency, available on Kava TV, earned two nominations, including Best Lead Actress for Sola Sobowale. Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, the film follows the First Lady of a fictional state as a murder investigation exposes her hidden secrets. The film also honors the legendary Adebayo Salami’s six decades in Nollywood and features Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Ademoye, Yemi Solade, Kie Kie, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Williams, Muyiwa Ademola, and Aisha Lawal.
Lastly, Red Circle, also on Kava TV, earned two nominations including Best Lead Actor for Femi Branch. Directed by Akay Mason and written by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, the film follows investigative journalist Fikayo Holloway as she uncovers a dangerous Lagos crime syndicate. Produced by 26-year-old Nora Awolowo, the youngest Nigerian filmmaker to cross ₦100 million at the box office, the film stars Folu Storms, Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Omowunmi Dada, and Mr Macaroni. It’s a sharp, well-constructed thriller that marks a major milestone for Nollywood’s new generation of filmmakers.
As the AMVCA 2026 approaches, these films are not just awards contenders—they are shaping the future of Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.
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