Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham Absent from 2025 AMVCA Nominations, Fans Cry Foul

The recently unveiled nomination list for the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has set the entertainment world abuzz, but not for the usual reasons. Two of Nollywood’s biggest names, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, were conspicuously missing from this year’s lineup, sparking widespread speculation and debate among fans and industry insiders alike.

The AMVCA, often dubbed the “Oscars of Africa,” released its 11th edition nomination list on March 23, spotlighting acclaimed productions like Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors and Lateef Adedimeji’s Lisabi. Yet, the absence of Akindele, a box-office titan and perennial AMVCA favorite, and Abraham, a celebrated actress and producer, has dominated conversations online and offline. Notably, Akindele’s involvement in House of Gaa, which earned a nomination, did not translate into an individual nod for the star, while Abraham’s name was entirely absent from the list.

Social media erupted with reactions shortly after the announcement. Fans expressed disbelief and frustration, with some questioning the awards’ credibility. X user

@segunmor
posted on March 23, “No comedy categories this year!! Funke and Toyin missing on the nomination list #amvca,” highlighting the missing comedy category as a possible reason for their exclusion. Meanwhile,

@boiitzar
didn’t hold back, writing on the same day, “Remi Kunle not nominated Funke Akindele not nominated Toyin Abraham not nominated Odunlade adekola not nominated Ibrahim Yekini not not nominated Fvck AMVCA… nonsense award 🎉#AMVCA,” reflecting raw anger and a broader rejection of the awards’ choices. Another user,

@motunra02263306
, took a more pointed stance on March 25, stating, “One day, you guys will explain what Funke Akindele did to warrant all these Wahala. She drop movie problem, they didn’t nominate her, problem. Let’s face people that were nominated and leave Funke now🤷‍♀️,” suggesting a pattern of unfair treatment toward Akindele.

Industry observers suggest several possibilities for this year’s omission. Some speculate that neither actress submitted eligible projects for consideration, while others whisper of behind-the-scenes politics. The chatter intensified as some pointed to past controversies, notably the 2024 AMVCA, where Akindele’s record-breaking film A Tribe Called Judah—the first Nigerian movie to gross over N1 billion—walked away empty-handed despite five nominations.

This isn’t the first time the AMVCA has faced scrutiny over perceived slights. Akindele, who holds the record for the most nominations as an actress and filmmaker in AMVCA history with six wins, including multiple Best Actress in a Comedy awards, has often been at the center of such discussions. Her 2024 snub prompted a wave of criticism, with fans and analysts questioning the judging process. Abraham, too, has had her share of AMVCA moments, famously praising the 2024 edition as the “best and realest” despite Akindele’s losses—a comment that came just weeks after she extended an olive branch to her longtime rival, hinting at a thaw in their rumored feud.

Despite the snub, Akindele and Abraham remain towering figures in Nollywood. Akindele’s legacy as a trailblazer—both in front of and behind the camera—continues to grow, while Abraham’s recent successes cement her status as a fan favorite. For now, their fans are left waiting for a response, with some humorously suggesting a special category just for Akindele.

As the AMVCA ceremony approaches in May, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on this controversy. Whether it’s a deliberate oversight or a simple matter of submission deadlines, one thing is clear: the absence of Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham has only amplified their influence in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.