The Best Lead Actress category at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and culturally significant in recent years. Set to take place on May 9, 2026, in Lagos, with Joke Silva serving as head judge, this year’s lineup is a powerful mix of veterans, rising stars, and first-time nominees redefining what it means to lead on screen.
What makes this category stand out is not just the calibre of performances, but the diversity of stories being told. From deeply rooted cultural narratives to high-stakes political drama and survival thrillers, each nominee brings a unique emotional journey to life. Eight women. Eight standout performances. One coveted award.
Meet the Nominees
Linda Ejiofor — The Serpent’s Gift
Linda Ejiofor steps confidently into a leading role, delivering a grounded yet powerful performance in a story steeped in Yoruba tradition and generational secrets. Already an AMVCA winner for The Meeting (2015), this nomination marks her evolution into a fully realized leading lady.
Bimbo Akintola — To Kill A Monkey
A Nollywood mainstay, Bimbo Akintola brings quiet intensity to her role as Inspector Mo. With a career spanning over three decades, her ability to command attention with restraint proves that true mastery only deepens with time.
Ifeoma Fafunwa — The Lost Days
Known for her groundbreaking theatre work, Ifeoma Fafunwa makes an unforgettable screen debut. Her portrayal of a woman confronting love, illness, and unresolved past choices is both intimate and deeply compelling.
Ariyike Owolagba — Something About The Briggs
In her first major film role, Ariyike Owolagba delivers a layered performance as a woman grappling with inherited trauma and the fear of love. Her nomination signals the arrival of a promising new voice in Nollywood.
Genoveva Umeh — The Herd
Following her 2024 AMVCA win, Genoveva Umeh returns with a gripping lead performance. Playing a bride thrust into a life-threatening situation, she captures fear, grief, and resilience with striking authenticity.
Sola Sobowale — Her Excellency
Sola Sobowale once again proves why she remains one of Nollywood’s most commanding screen presences. Her portrayal of a powerful yet unraveling First Lady blends authority with vulnerability in a way only she can deliver.
Scarlet Gomez — Behind The Scenes
At the center of Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2025, Scarlet Gomez delivers a performance that balances strength and emotional exhaustion. This nomination solidifies her transition into a major box office force.
Gloria Anozie-Young — Mother of the Brides
A respected veteran, Gloria Anozie-Young brings depth and nuance to her role as a widow fighting for her place in a legacy she helped build. Her nomination feels like a long-overdue celebration of a remarkable career.
A Powerful Year for Female-Led Storytelling
This year’s Best Lead Actress category is more than a competition—it’s a reflection of Nollywood’s growth. It highlights stories that center women in complex, layered roles while bridging generations of talent.
From industry icons to breakout stars, this lineup proves one thing: Nollywood’s leading women are not just carrying films—they are shaping the future of African cinema.