The recently released nomination list for the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) has sparked controversy on social media, with many questioning the absence of actress and box office star Funke Akindele.
The nominations, announced on Sunday, March 23, featured films like Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo and Lisabi by Lateef Adedimeji in multiple categories.
However, despite House of Gaa—a film she starred in—making the list, Funke’s own project, Everybody Loves Jenifa, was notably absent.
This comes a year after fans protested when her record-breaking film, A Tribe Called Judah, failed to win any awards despite multiple nominations.
Funke, who holds the record for the most AMVCA nominations and six wins—including Best Actress in a Comedy in 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022—was once again the center of discussion.
A fan on X expressed frustration, saying, “Funke is actually not liked in that industry, and that’s why I’m so happy that her success speaks for her.
‘I mean, someone that’s not even doing up to her is getting a trailblazer award, but the person actually blazing a trail for the next generation keeps getting snubbed.”
However, some countered the outrage, arguing that Funke may not have submitted her film for consideration.
Dare Joyce wrote, “You are not a fan but an enemy. You will be put to shame soon. Funke Akindele won the Silverbird award last year. She decided not to submit her movie for AMVCA, so what’s the fuss about?”
Ayomide Irish added, “Please erase this mentality; everyone in the industry deserves recognition too. Funke Akindele already acquired the honour from AMVCA, let others shine too. We love Jenifa, the same way we love other celebrities. Plus, Funke is bigger than the Trailblazer Award. Congrats to the nominees.”
Others seemed tired of the repeated debate. Happiness Ajayi wrote, “Are we still going to have a Funke Akindele vs AMVCA conversation this year? Any small thing, ‘they snubbed her.’ Nawa o.”
Emmanuel Akande clarified, “Funke Akindele didn’t submit Everybody Loves Jenifa for nominations.”
Despite the ongoing debate, Funke has yet to react to the uproar surrounding her AMVCA absence.
