Awards and festivals are important to any film industry because they bring attention to new work and recognise achievement. In African cinema, they also help films travel to audiences who might not otherwise see them. This article gives a general overview of the kinds of events that exist and the role they play.
Types of recognition
Academy-style awards. In these ceremonies, juries or voting members from the profession select winners in categories such as picture, direction, acting, writing and craft. The African Movie Academy Awards are an example mentioned in biographies of Nigerian actors.
Audience-driven awards. Some ceremonies give viewers a say in the result. As the name implies, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards place audience participation at the centre. One category is Best Overall Movie by region, and a West African winner was announced on 5 March 2016 according to the archived record of the film featured on our home page.
City and national honours. Local ceremonies recognise performers and producers within their own country, and national honours can acknowledge a lifetime’s contribution to culture.
International festival prizes. Festivals abroad, such as those with charity or cultural focuses, sometimes give breakthrough or performance awards to actors from Africa.
What festivals do
A festival is a gathering where films are screened for audiences, critics and buyers. Some are competitive, with juries and prizes, and others are showcases. Festivals provide:
- Premieres, where a film debuts before an invited audience.
- Market access, where distributors and platforms meet filmmakers.
- Networking, which connects directors, producers and actors.
- Discussion, through panels, workshops and talks.
Why awards matter to filmmakers
A prize can raise a film’s profile, extend its run and help it find distribution. For actors and producers, recognition builds reputation and can lead to new projects and funding. It also encourages younger people to enter the industry by showing what is possible.
Limits and criticisms
Awards are not a perfect measure of quality. Voting systems can favour popularity over artistry, juries can reflect particular tastes, and films with large marketing budgets may have an advantage. Some filmmakers also feel that important voices and languages are under-represented. Readers should treat awards as one signal among many.
How to use awards as a viewer
- Use shortlists and winners to discover films you might otherwise miss.
- Read reviews and cast profiles to see if a story appeals to you.
- Look at categories beyond the main prize, such as writing, music and editing.
- Remember that great films are sometimes overlooked.
Where this fits
Recognition is one part of a film’s life. The other parts include development, production and distribution, covered in the piece on what film producers do. For the wider background, see the introduction to Nollywood.