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The 17th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards took place on Sunday night in Lagos, celebrating outstanding achievements and excellence within Nigeria’s film industry. The ceremony, held at the prestigious National Arts Theatre, saw several films, actors, and filmmakers receive recognition for their contributions to Nollywood, with Farmers Bride and Seven Doors emerging as the evening’s most celebrated titles.
Farmers Bride dominated the headline categories, taking home the coveted Movie of the Year award along with Director of the Year, highlighting the film’s strong storytelling, direction, and overall impact. Its triumph underlined the continued recognition of compelling narratives that resonate with audiences both in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Meanwhile, Seven Doors, starring Femi Adebayo, impressed the jury in technical categories, underscoring Nollywood’s growing emphasis on high-quality production standards. The film earned accolades for Best Production Design, Best Special Effects, Best Series, and Best Cinematography. The multiple wins in technical fields reflected the industry’s push toward world-class filmmaking and the importance of behind-the-scenes craftsmanship in elevating Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Acting categories also highlighted remarkable performances across a variety of genres. Black Out led the acting honours, with Gideon Okeke earning Best Actor and Padita Agu securing Best Actress for their standout performances. Their wins demonstrated the depth of talent in Nollywood and the increasing recognition of actors delivering emotionally compelling portrayals.
Supporting roles received their due attention, with Mercy Aigbe winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in My Mother Is a Witch, while Taye Ayimoro took home Best Supporting Actor for his role in Son of the Soil. Their contributions emphasized the importance of supporting characters in driving storylines and enriching cinematic experiences.
The awards also celebrated on-screen chemistry, with Tobi Bakre and Folu Storms winning Best Kiss for their memorable moments in Red Cycle. This category highlighted the growing sophistication of on-screen relationships and performance authenticity in Nigerian films.
Cultural storytelling was acknowledged with Abanisete winning Best Indigenous Film, affirming the enduring significance of narratives rooted in Nigerian traditions and languages. The recognition of indigenous content at the BON Awards emphasized Nollywood’s commitment to preserving local heritage while entertaining audiences.
Emerging talents were equally celebrated, with Razaq Adoti and Una Idoko winning Most Promising Actor and Actress, respectively. These awards underscored Nollywood’s focus on nurturing the next generation of performers poised to shape the future of the industry.
Special Recognition Awards were also presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigerian cinema. Veteran filmmaker Steve Ayorinde, celebrated actress Funke Akindele, and acclaimed film critic Dr. Shaibu Husseini were honoured for their efforts in promoting, supporting, and advancing Nollywood over the years.
The 17th BON Awards provided a comprehensive look at the breadth of talent and creativity in Nollywood, celebrating achievements across acting, directing, production, and technical excellence. By spotlighting both established stars and rising talent, the ceremony reaffirmed Nollywood’s growing influence on global cinema and its ongoing evolution as a hub for high-quality, culturally rich storytelling.
With Farmers Bride and Seven Doors leading the night’s wins, the awards highlighted the industry’s commitment to blending artistic vision with technical proficiency, setting a standard for future productions and inspiring filmmakers to continue raising the bar in Nigerian cinema.
The BON Awards once again demonstrated that Nollywood is not only about entertaining audiences but also about cultivating an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
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