Nollywood’s psychological thriller The Weekend, directed by Daniel Oriahi, has made headlines by securing an impressive 16 nominations at the 20th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). This announcement was made during the nominees’ event at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, highlighting The Weekend as a landmark achievement for Trino Motion Pictures and a significant contribution to the global stature of Nollywood.
In a celebratory post, the production team expressed their gratitude, saying, “The Weekend film has just earned 16 AMAA nominations—a first in @ammaawards 20-year history. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions right now. Grateful for the recognition, and a huge congratulations to the entire team!”
Since its nationwide release on August 30, 2024, The Weekend has captivated both local and international audiences with its compelling storyline and outstanding performances. The film has also garnered critical acclaim at various prestigious international film festivals, including Tribeca, Cordillera, and SLASH Film Festivals. It is set to feature at the upcoming 24th Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Los Angeles from October 8-17, 2024, and the 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) in partnership with American Express from October 9-20, 2024.
Producer Uche Okocha shared his excitement about the AMAA nominations, stating, “This recognition from AMAA reflects the brilliance of the director, the exceptional performances of the cast, and the ingenuity of our crew members. We are incredibly proud of our achievements and appreciate the jury for acknowledging our hard work and commitment to telling unique African stories.”
The film’s nominations span a wide range of prestigious categories, including:
- Best Film
- Best Director
- Best Actress in a Leading Role
- Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film
- Achievement in Screenplay
- Achievement in Editing
- Achievement in Cinematography
- Achievement in Sound
- Achievement in Visual Effects
- Achievement in Soundtrack
- Achievement in Makeup
- Achievement in Costume Design
- Achievement in Production Design
With its blend of psychological intrigue, cultural resonance, and technical excellence, The Weekend continues to elevate Nollywood, firmly establishing it as a significant player in the global film industry.
Additionally, other Nollywood films like Jagun Jagun and Kenneth Gyang’s This is Lagos have also received nominations, showcasing the growing recognition of Nigerian cinema on the international stage.