Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has been officially named the head judge for the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday, where the 64-year-old actress discussed the importance of the 12th edition of the prestigious awards.
She highlighted that this year marks a significant expansion for the event, as new categories representing North and Central Africa are being introduced.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I assume the role of head judge for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. Over the years, the AMVCA has grown far beyond an award ceremony; it has become an important cultural institution,” Silva said.
Silva praised the awards for recognizing African film and television excellence while celebrating the creative individuals shaping the industry.
“This year marks a defining moment in the evolution of the awards. With the inclusion of categories representing North and Central Africa, the AMVCA expands its reach to fully reflect the depth and diversity of storytelling across our continent,” she added.
Speaking on the evaluation process, the veteran actress emphasized that the judging panel will be completely committed to maintaining fairness, credibility, and professionalism.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the adjudication process reflects the highest standard of fairness, credibility and professional integrity,” she said.
Silva further explained the core duty of the jury, noting that it goes beyond simply rewarding mainstream trends.
“Our role as jurors is not simply to award visibility or popularity, but to honour the depth of craft and the mastery of storytelling that continues to elevate African cinema on the global stage,” she added.
The highly anticipated nominees for the 12th AMVCA are scheduled to be announced on March 29, 2026, with popular actor Chimezie Imo set to host the nomination event. The main awards ceremony will take place in Lagos in May 2026.
