What Is 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards was the fifth edition of the annual ceremony celebrating excellence in the Nigerian film industry. It honored films released between 2012 and 2013, recognizing achievements in acting, directing, screenwriting, and technical craftsmanship.

Hosted in Abuja, Nigeria, the event brought together top actors, directors, and producers from across the country. The ceremony highlighted the growing professionalism and global influence of Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry by volume.

• Event Date: The 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards were held on December 21, 2013, marking the fifth consecutive year of the awards.
• Venue: The ceremony took place at the Abuja International Conference Centre, a major cultural and political hub in Nigeria’s capital city.
• Hosts: Comedian Ayo Makun and actress Funke Akindele co-hosted the event, bringing humor and star power to the stage.
• Categories: Over 30 competitive categories were awarded, ranging from Best Actor to Best Indigenous Language Film.
• Significance: The 2013 edition emphasized gender inclusivity, with a record number of female directors and writers nominated.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards operate through a structured nomination and voting process involving industry professionals, critics, and audience input. Each year, films are evaluated based on artistic merit, technical quality, and cultural impact.

• Nomination Period: Films released between January 2012 and October 2013 were eligible for consideration in the 2013 awards cycle.
• Jury Selection: A panel of 15 industry experts reviewed submissions and compiled the official list of nominees across all categories.
• Voting Process: Final winners were determined by a combination of jury votes (70%) and public voting (30%) via online platforms.
• Award Categories: The 2013 edition featured competitive categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director, with genre-specific awards too.
• Eligibility Criteria: Films had to be produced or co-produced by Nigerians and released in Nigerian theaters or at accredited festivals.
• Prize Structure: Winners received a custom-designed trophy and public recognition, though no monetary prize was attached.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards with previous editions in terms of scale, participation, and recognition.

The 2013 edition marked a significant expansion in both venue and scope, reflecting Nollywood’s growing influence. By rotating locations and increasing categories, the organizers aimed to broaden national representation and inclusivity within the industry.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Nigerian cinema by spotlighting emerging talent and promoting industry standards. Recognition at the event often led to increased visibility and career advancement for winners.

• Industry Recognition: Winning a BON Award provided credibility and career momentum for actors, directors, and technical crew.
• Gender Representation: The 2013 event celebrated female filmmakers, with Tope Oshin becoming the second woman to win Best Director.
• Cultural Impact: The awards reinforced Nigerian identity and storytelling in an era of rising global interest in African cinema.
• International Exposure: Several nominated films, such as 'Anchor Baby', were screened at international film festivals, boosting Nollywood’s profile.
• Economic Influence: Recognized films often saw increased box office returns and digital streaming engagement post-ceremony.
• Legacy Building: The 2013 edition contributed to documenting Nollywood’s evolution and setting benchmarks for future excellence.

By honoring both established stars and rising talent, the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards underscored the vibrancy and resilience of Nigeria’s film industry. It remains a key milestone in the ongoing professionalization of African cinema.