Bread Dresses and Cathedral Gowns Steal Spotlight at 12th AMVCA in Lagos

Celebrities and filmmakers brought dramatic trains, sculptural gowns, shimmering fabrics and theatrical designs to the 12th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in Lagos, Nigeria. Often called Africa's biggest night in film and fashion, the event at Eko Hotel and Suites celebrated achievements in African film, television and digital storytelling. It also served as a major cultural showcase where stars vied to be best-dressed alongside award competition.

This year's red carpet featured excessive fashion displays. Several celebrities arrived with entourages carrying oversized outfits past crowds of photographers and fans.

Reality TV star Queen Mercy Atang drew stares in a dress made from more than 500 loaves of bread. Two maidens carried bread trays while assistants helped manage the outfit as she moved across the carpet. Speaking to the BBC, Atang said the look promoted her bread-baking business. "What other place is better to advertise my business than the AMVCA?" she said. Designer Toyin Lawan of Tiannah's Empire created it and posted on Instagram about starting a trend of "everyone wear your business." Social media buzzed, with some fans calling it "a true definition of carrying your business on the head." Others criticized it as food waste, a charge Atang rejected.

Ghanaian fashion star Nana Akua Addo wore a silver architectural dress inspired by Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The structured outfit had hand-painted window-like details, cathedral-shaped extensions and silver accessories. Team members carried parts of the dress. Designer Abasswoman told the BBC the process started in November 2025 and finished two days before the event. Her team said it reflected the cathedral's grandeur and craftsmanship.

Nigerian actress Uche Montana appeared in a red-and-gold feathered ensemble representing "fire" and "the rising of the phoenix." Red-studded stones covered her hands. She told the BBC the look developed since the year's start and cost "a lot," countering the idea that celebrities get styled for free. "A lot of financial and mental work goes into these looks," she said. Montana also won the non-voting AMVCA Trailblazer Award for rising talents.

Actor Bucci Franklin won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Oboz in "To Kill a Monkey." He portrayed a loud, loyal cybercrime boss rooted in Benin street identity, studying local influencers, music and dialect for realism. The performance connected with viewers, especially in Nigeria's Niger Delta. Franklin told the BBC the role differed from his personality but he was glad to take it. He dedicated the award to his mother, who died seven days before the film's release. The movie also took Best Cinematography.

Linda Ejiofor made history as the first to win Best Lead Actress for "The Serpent's Gift" and Best Supporting Actress for "The Herd." She told the BBC she hoped for one win, but her husband predicted both. Her mother helped refine her Igbo pronunciations for the roles.

"My Father's Shadow," directed by Akinola Davies Jr., won Best Movie, Best Director and Best Writing, beating "The Herd," "The Serpent's Gift" and "Gingerrr." The film about paternal love, estrangement and loss was the first Nigerian entry selected for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It screened in cinemas in Nigeria and the UK.

Uzor Arukwe won Best Lead Actor for "Colours of Fire." Veterans Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Kanayo described his outfit as "ripping in godfatherism, old money and tailored mafia," styled by Prinz Innovation to match his on-screen wealthy persona.

Digital creators joined in with sparkling sculpted dresses. Angolan actress Lesliana Pereira wore a long black dress with half-butterfly wings embellished in gold and silver stones and crystals. Reality TV star OJ Posharella sported a giant bow on her head with her self-designed multi-layered colorful outfit.