AMAA 2017: Day Nigeria bagged 6 awards
Nigeria won a total of six awards at the 13th edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which took place last Saturday at Eko Hotel in Lagos. The awards include Best Animation (Got Flowers), Achievement in Production Design (76), Achievement in Make-Up (Oloibiri), Lagos State Award for Best Nigerian Film (76), Best Comedy Film (Three […]
Nigeria won a total of six awards at the 13th edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which took place last Saturday at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
The awards include Best Animation (Got Flowers), Achievement in Production Design (76), Achievement in Make-Up (Oloibiri), Lagos State Award for Best Nigerian Film (76), Best Comedy Film (Three Wise Men), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Angelique Kidjo, for ‘CEO’)
The awards, officially hosted by the Lagos State Government, had over 4000 people in attendance and delegates from 40 countries within and outside Africa. It was also broadcast live on both the Lagos Television (LTV) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and scores of international and local media organisations in attendance.
The host Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule expressed his joy and that of the government and people of the state in hosting the event, adding that Lagos under his leadership believes in the power of the creative and film industry as a potent force to positively project the image of Africa beyond the negative stereotype of western media.
The governor in his address delivered by his deputy showered encomium on the founder of AMAA, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe for her tenacity and hard-work that has sustained the AMAA brand for thirteen years.
Ms. Anyiam-Osigwe in her brief remarks expressed her gratitude and that of her team to the Government of Lagos State and to the awards’ Jury members.
At the awards night, ‘Felicite’ from Senegal, a movie about a nightclub singer who grapples to pay for her son’s treatment after a road accident, got awards in three of the six major categories. It won best film, best actress in a leading role, and best supporting actor.
Vaya, a South African film directed by a Nigeria and the film with highest nominations (ten) picked up three awards, which include best director for Akin Omotoso and best screenplay while Queen of Katwe, from Uganda starring Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, won two of its eight nominations.
The event had in attendance several celebrities, including Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Ramsey Nouah, among others. Celine Loader, a Cameroonian and an oil industry executive in Lagos was also given Special Recognition Award for her contribution to the growth of the film industry in Africa and Nigeria in particular.
Ykee Bender, a Ugandan pop star, Nigerian Highlife Musician, Paul Play Dairo, Maestro Band and Afro Juju Music legend Sir. Shina Peters performed at the award ceremony.