Lateef Adedimeji, Burna Boy, others shine at 2025 AMAA Awards(FULL LIST)

The 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) once again spotlighted the brilliance and creativity of African cinema, honouring outstanding films, actors, and filmmakers from across the continent.

The prestigious event, now in its 21st edition, was held on Sunday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, drawing top industry talents, cultural icons, and global film enthusiasts.

“3 Cold Dishes,” a multilingual thriller co-produced by Burna Boy and Osas Ighodaro, emerged as a big winner, taking home awards for Best Nigerian Film and Best Young/Promising Actor for Ruby Akubueze.

Lateef Adedimeji was recognised for his outstanding performance in “Lisabi: The Uprising,” winning Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Tina Mba also shone in “The Serpent Gift,” earning Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

South Africa’s “The Heart Is a Muscle” took top honors, winning Best Film, as well as awards for Cinematography, Editing, and Best Debut Feature for director Imran Hamdulay.

Burkina Faso’s “Katanga: Dance of the Scorpions” also made a strong impression, winning Best Film in an African Language, Best Screenplay, and Best Costume Design.

The ceremony also honored African film practitioners who passed away between January and November 2025, and featured captivating musical performances.

Below is the list of winners:

NFVCB Award for Best Nigerian Film: 3 Cold Dishes

Best Young/Promising Actor: Ruby Akubueze – 3 Cold Dishes

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Clemento Ashietey – Last Stop

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Tina Mba – The Serpent Gift

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Florence Mariserena – Small Gods

Best Debut Feature Film by a Director: The Heart Is a Muscle – Imran Hamdulay

Best Director: Dany Kouyaté – Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso

Best Film: The Heart Is a Muscle – South Africa

Best Film in an African Language: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso

Eferé Ozako Award for Best Short Film: The Missing Piece – Kenya

Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation: Dawn – Cameroun

Best Documentary: The Journey East – DRC

Best Diaspora Short: Cartes – USA

Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad: Ancestral Visions of the Future – Lesotho/France/Germany

Achievement in Costume Design: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions

Achievement in Sound: Algiers

Best Diaspora Documentary: Rediscovering Fenon – USA/Algeria/Martinique

Best Diaspora Narrative Feature: Romeo N Juliet 4EVA – Jamaica

Achievement in Production Design: 3 Cold Dishes

Achievement in Make-up: Lisabi: The Uprising

Achievement in Soundtrack: Old Righteous Blues

Achievement in Visual Effects: For Land, For Love, For Power

Achievement in Cinematography: The Heart Is a Muscle

Achievement in Editing: The Heart Is a Muscle

Achievement in Screenplay: Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions – Burkina Faso