The 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards held at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State, was an unforgettable night for Femi Adebayo. His epic film Jagun Jagun emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home six awards, including the coveted “Director of the Year” and “Best Actor.”
Femi Adebayo’s Clean Sweep
Jagun Jagun was undoubtedly the star of the evening, dominating the awards with wins in multiple categories. The film claimed the prestigious “Director of the Year” award, shared by Femi Adebayo and Bayo Tijani, for its exceptional direction. Femi Adebayo also bagged the “Best Actor” award for his role in the film, marking his fourth win of the night. Additionally, Jagun Jagun took home awards for “Best Costume,” “Best Indigenous Film,” “Best Production Design,” and “Best Special Effects.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCyqvKmIPQN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Adebayo’s heartfelt reaction to winning the “Best Actor” award was one of the most emotional moments of the night, capping off an incredible sweep for both him and the film.
Celebrating Nollywood Talent
The event, hosted by actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi, recognized the exceptional talent and creativity driving Nollywood’s success. One of the evening’s other major winners was Momiwa, which won the awards for “Best Editing” and “Best Screenplay.”
Mercy Aigbe received the “Best Supporting Actress” award for her role in Ada Omo Daddy, while Keppy Ekpenyong was awarded “Best Supporting Actor” for his performance in The Weekend.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
Newcomers Ozechi Franklin Izuchukwu and Chioma Okafor captured attention by winning the “Most Promising Actor” and “Most Promising Actress” awards, respectively. These wins reflect the exciting future of Nollywood and its emerging talents.
Emotional Lifetime Achievement Award for Kanayo O. Kanayo
A particularly moving moment occurred when veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman. In his acceptance speech, Kanayo dedicated the honor to colleagues in Nollywood facing challenges such as unemployment and health issues, while expressing gratitude to those supporting the industry’s growth.
Full List of Winners
- Best Cinematography: Adire
- Director of the Year: Bayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
- Best Social Message: Unleashed
- Best Short Film: Out of Many
- Best Actor: Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
- Best Actress: Wunmi Dada (Unknown Soja)
- Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy)
- Best Supporting Actor: Keppy Ekpenyong (The Weekend)
- Best Editing: Momiwa
- Best Costume: Jagun Jagun
- Best Sound: Offshoot
- Best Soundtrack: Oloku Ada
- Best Use of Food: Nwanyi Abacha
- Best Indigenous Film: Jagun Jagun
- Best Child Actor: Nifemi Lawal
- Best Child Actress: Darasimi Nadi (Unknown Soja)
- Most Promising Actor: Ozechi Franklin Izuchukwu
- Most Promising Actress: Chioma Okafor
- Best Production Design: Jagun Jagun
- Best Screenplay: Momiwa
- Best Use of Food: Orisa
- Best Kiss: Halima Ganiyu & David Akande (Eti Keta)
- Best Special Effects: Jagun Jagun
- Best Documentary: Is It Your Money?
The 16th BON Awards not only highlighted the achievements of Nollywood’s finest but also showcased the future stars poised to carry the industry forward.
