As anticipation builds for the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) set to hold on Saturday, veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has addressed the wave of criticism trailing this year’s nominations.
Silva, who chairs the judging panel for the 12th edition of the awards, offered insight into the selection process in a recent interview, emphasising the rigor and professionalism behind the final list.
Her remarks come amid widespread debate among film enthusiasts, many of whom have questioned the exclusion of certain actors and productions.
Responding to the concerns, Silva explained that the non-voting categories are determined strictly by industry professionals with a deep understanding of film, performance, and technical craft.
“There’s a panel of judges—highly skilled individuals who understand film,” she said.
She further clarified that while some categories are decided by public votes, others are judged purely on merit.
“The non-voting categories are not a popularity contest. They are about craft and skill,” Silva stated.
Addressing the recurring criticism that often follows award nominations in Nollywood, she acknowledged the subjective nature of awards but stressed that a structured and layered evaluation system is in place.
“We have two sets of judges to ensure fairness. Every film is graded, and the final outcome is based on an aggregate of scores,” she explained.
Silva, however, admitted that even she was surprised by some omissions.
“There are projects I was shocked didn’t get a single nod, despite their quality. But ultimately, it comes down to the aggregate scores,” she said.
Speaking on what defines an award-winning performance, Silva highlighted the importance of transformation and authenticity.
“It’s about how fully an actor becomes the character. The believability must be so strong that the audience talks about the character, not the actor,” she noted.
She added that achieving such depth remains challenging, particularly within the tight production timelines common in Nollywood.
The 2026 AMVCA will bring together actors, filmmakers, producers, and key industry stakeholders for a night dedicated to celebrating excellence in African film and television.
