Nigerian actress and model Beverly Osu has publicly criticized the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for shifting its focus away from celebrating filmmaking. In a viral X post shared on May 15, 2025, at 08:13 UTC, Beverly expresses her frustration, stating that the AMVCA has “lost the plot” by prioritizing spectacle over substance. Her comments have sparked discussions about the awards’ direction and the broader challenges facing the Nigerian film industry.
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AMVCA has lost the plot . It’s time to bring the focus back to the work , not just the wow . This is one of the few times filmmakers unwind , celebrate and reconnect.. Filmaking in general isn’t a joke.
— THE BEV (@beverly_Osu) May 15, 2025
Beverly Osu’s post on X highlights her belief that the AMVCA has deviated from its core mission of honoring African cinematic excellence. She writes, “AMVCA has lost the plot. It’s time to bring the focus back to the work, not just the wow.” As a platform meant to celebrate filmmakers, she argues that the event has become more about extravagant fashion moments and theatrics rather than the craft itself. Beverly also emphasizes the importance of the AMVCA as a rare opportunity for filmmakers to “unwind, celebrate, and reconnect,” underscoring the grueling nature of filmmaking with her statement, “Filmaking in general isn’t a joke.”
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Beverly’s criticism aligns with sentiments expressed in a recent OkayAfrica article published on May 13, 2025, titled “The AMVCA Can Be More Memorable Than Its Fashion Moments.” The article notes that while the AMVCA’s big fashion moments add allure, they often overshadow the ceremony’s purpose of celebrating African filmmaking. It highlights how the event is frequently compared to the Met Gala due to its red-carpet hype, with fashion drowning out discussions about the awards themselves. The piece also mentions initiatives like Young Filmmaker’s Day and Icons Night but argues that more intentional work is needed to refocus on the industry’s impact.
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Beverly’s comments also tie into broader systemic issues within the Nigerian film industry. The piece lists challenges like poor movie productions by talentless producers, often mocked in memes for absurd scenes like “ghosts peeling recharge cards.” It suggests solutions such as government grants for talented filmmakers, establishing film institutes, and building more cinemas to support the industry’s growth. Beverly’s call to refocus on the work echoes these recommendations, highlighting the need for platforms like the AMVCA to lead by example in uplifting quality filmmaking.
