The road to the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is officially set, with organisers unveiling early details ahead of what is expected to be one of the big moments for African film and television this year.
Set against a rapidly evolving industry where cinema, streaming platforms, and digital content now intersect, AMVCA 2026 arrives at a time when African storytelling is expanding in both reach and influence.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 9, 2026. As with previous editions, the main event will be preceded by a series of activities that typically shape the build-up, including the announcement of nominees and other industry-facing engagements that extend the awards beyond a single night.
A total of 32 categories will be awarded, covering film, television, and digital content. These categories are split between those decided by a jury and those influenced by audience voting.
The voting system remains hybrid. Submissions are first reviewed by a panel of judges who determine the nominees, after which selected categories are opened up for public voting. Final decisions are then made through a combination of jury input and audience participation, a format that has become central to how the awards position themselves within the industry.
One of the more notable developments ahead of this year’s ceremony is the appointment of Veteran Actress Joke Silva as Head Judge. Her role places her in charge of overseeing the judging process, particularly in categories determined by the jury.
The official nominees for AMVCA 2026 are expected to be announced on March 29, 2026.
Beyond the awards themselves, AMVCA continues to hold a unique position within African entertainment. In an era where streaming platforms and social media can rapidly elevate content and creators, the awards still function as a more structured form of recognition.
Note, this article is for informational and editorial purposes only and is not a promotional piece.
Pop superstar Billie Eilish is preparing to take a major step into the film industry as she lines up her feature acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the classic novel by Sylvia Plath.
The project, which began drawing industry attention this week, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for the critically acclaimed film “Women Talking.”
According to early reports, Billie Eilish is attached to play Esther Greenwood, the central character of the novel. The story follows a young woman navigating life during a prestigious internship in New York while grappling with mental health struggles and the pressure of societal expectations.
First published in 1963, The Bell Jar is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels exploring identity, ambition, and psychological struggle. The semi-autobiographical story mirrors aspects of Plath’s own life and has remained a major story for generations of readers.
In the upcoming adaptation, Polley will both write and direct the project, bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to the material. Her previous film, Women Talking, earned widespread praise and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film will be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company founded by Brad Pitt, alongside StudioCanal.
U.S. distribution will be handled by Focus Features. As of now, the rest of the cast and the production timeline have not been announced.
Although Billie Eilish is primarily known for her global music career, she has had a small acting role before. In 2023, she appeared in the television series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover. However, The Bell Jar would mark her first time leading a major feature film.
The casting has attracted significant attention partly because the novel’s themes closely mirror issues Billie Eilish has spoken about publicly, including mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame.
Billie Eilish already has strong ties to the film industry through her music. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, first for the theme from “No Time to Die” and later for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. The wins made her the youngest person to secure two Oscars in that category.
Beyond The Bell Jar, the singer is also involved in another film project. She is co-directing a concert documentary titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (Live in 3D) with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing the blockbuster Avatar. The film is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026 through Paramount Pictures.
There’s something about a good romance movie that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it’s the excitement of watching two people slowly fall for each other, or the emotional moments that remind us how complicated love can be. Romance films also have a way of pulling you into their world, whether it’s through beautiful locations, unforgettable characters, or stories that feel surprisingly real.
One of the reasons people love watching romance movies on Netflix is the variety. Some stories are light and funny, perfect for when you want to relax and laugh. Others are emotional and dramatic, the kind that stay on your mind long after the movie ends. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, there’s usually a romance film that fits.
Here are five romance movies you should definitely check out.
Purple Hearts
This movie follows a struggling musician who agrees to marry a U.S. Marine for practical reasons. The arrangement is supposed to be simple and temporary, but things start to change as they spend more time together. What begins as a fake marriage slowly turns into something deeper and more complicated.
The movie stands out because of its emotional storytelling and strong chemistry between the two leads. The music also plays a big role in the story, adding another layer of feeling to the film. It’s the kind of romance that mixes love with real-life struggles, which makes the story feel more grounded and relatable.
Love at First Sight
This story begins with two strangers who meet on a flight from New York to London. They connect almost instantly, sharing conversations and moments that make it feel like they’ve known each other much longer than a few hours.
However, once they land, airport chaos separates them and they lose contact. The rest of the movie explores how fate, coincidence, and timing keep bringing their lives back into alignment. It’s a romantic story that focuses on the idea that sometimes the right person can appear when you least expect it.
My Oxford Year
In this story, an ambitious American student moves to Oxford to pursue her academic dreams. She arrives with a clear plan for her future and romance is definitely not part of it.
But life rarely follows a perfect plan. While studying in one of the most historic universities in the world, she meets a local man who slowly changes her perspective on love, life, and what truly matters. The movie balances romance with themes about ambition, personal growth, and the difficult choices people sometimes have to make.
La Dolce Villa
This film takes viewers to the beautiful landscapes of Italy. An American widower travels there to stop his daughter from making what he believes is a reckless decision, buying an old villa that needs a lot of work.
Instead of simply fixing the problem and leaving, he finds himself slowly drawn into the life of the small town. Along the way, he develops an unexpected connection with the town’s mayor. Between the scenic views, family tension, and charming romance, the movie delivers a warm and feel good story.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas
Holiday romance movies always have a special kind of charm, and this one focuses on a couple who once loved each other but eventually went their separate ways. When Christmas brings them back together, they are forced to confront the past and the reasons their relationship fell apart.
As they spend time together again, old emotions begin to surface. The movie explores whether people can truly change and if love deserves another chance after everything that has happened. It’s a story about forgiveness, growth, and the complicated nature of long-term relationships.
Why We Keep Watching Romance Movies
Romance movies continue to be popular because they deal with emotions that everyone understands. Love, heartbreak, hope, and connection are universal experiences, and these films show how different relationships can unfold in different ways.
Sometimes people watch romance movies because they want something comforting and familiar. Other times they want a story that makes them think about their own relationships and choices. Either way, romance films have a way of reminding viewers that love can be messy, unpredictable, and powerful at the same time.
And that is exactly why people keep coming back to them. No matter how many romance movies we watch, there is always another story waiting to make us laugh, cry, or believe in love just a little bit more.
Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele has officially become Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker of all time, following the record-breaking box office performance of her latest film, Behind The Scenes.
According to figures released by distributors, the film has now crossed the ₦2+ billion mark in cinema revenue, making it the highest-grossing film in Nigerian and West African cinema history. The milestone places Akindele at the top of Africa’s box office rankings, ahead of all other filmmakers on the continent.
Behind The Scenes, released in December 2025, opened to strong audience turnout across Nigerian cinemas and select international markets. Within weeks of release, the film recorded multiple box office milestones, including:
One of the largest opening weekends in Nollywood history
Fastest Nollywood film to cross several revenue benchmarks
First Nigerian film to officially exceed ₦2 billion in total box office earnings
The figures were confirmed by FilmOne Entertainment and other industry tracking platforms monitoring cinema revenue in Nigeria.
This achievement builds on Akindele’s growing reputation as Nollywood’s most commercially successful filmmaker. In recent years, her projects have consistently dominated the box office, including:
A Tribe Called Judah, which became one of Nollywood’s earliest billion-naira films
Everybody Loves Jenifa, which previously held the record as Nigeria’s highest-grossing local film
With Behind The Scenes surpassing all previous records, Akindele now holds the top three highest-earning Nollywood films in cinema history.
Akindele’s achievement is also being viewed as a major milestone for African cinema, demonstrating that locally produced African films can achieve large-scale commercial success without relying on foreign studios.
By becoming Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker, Funke Akindele has further established her status as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry.
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, MICHAEL, has officially been scheduled to premiere on April 24, 2026, in theaters worldwide, including IMAX screenings. The film has been in development for several years and has generated significant interest from fans and media outlets.
About the Film
MICHAEL is a biographical musical drama directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film traces the life and career of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global superstar.
The screenplay was written by John Logan, and production is handled by Graham King, known for producing high-profile biopics including Bohemian Rhapsody. The film promises to showcase Jackson’s iconic performances, music, and personal journey.
Cast
The movie stars:
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the pop legend’s nephew.
Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael’s father.
Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother.
Miles Teller as John Branca, Jackson’s longtime lawyer.
Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael Jackson.
Supporting roles include Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, and Kendrick Sampson.
Michael Jackson Jaafar Jackson
Trailer and Public Reaction
The official trailer for MICHAEL dropped in November 2025 and became one of the most viewed biopic trailers, reaching over 116 million views within 24 hours. Fans praised Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal, highlighting his performance and resemblance to the late singer.
Distribution
United States: Lionsgate
International: Universal Pictures
The release date was moved several times due to post-production work and reshoots. April 24, 2026, is now confirmed as the official premiere date.
With its April 24, 2026 premiere, the MICHAEL biopic is set to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
