What Is 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) celebrated outstanding achievements in Nigerian cinema, spotlighting excellence in both English and indigenous language films. Held on December 5, 2015, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the event brought together top actors, directors, and producers from across the country.

Recognized as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious film awards, the BON Awards honor creativity, storytelling, and technical mastery in Nollywood. The 2015 edition highlighted the growing diversity and professionalism in the industry, with competitive categories spanning acting, direction, screenwriting, and technical production.

• December 5, 2015 marked the official date of the 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards ceremony, held in Ado-Ekiti.
• The event was hosted at the Ekiti State Stadium, a key venue that accommodated a large audience and media presence.
• Over 30 award categories were presented, covering English, Yoruba, and other Nigerian language films.
• Genevieve Nnaji won Best Actress in an English Film for her role in the movie *October 1*.
• Ramsey Nouah received the Best Actor in an English Film award for his performance in *A Place Called Happy*.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards operates through a structured nomination and voting process to identify the year’s most impactful performances and productions in Nigerian cinema.

• Nomination Process: Industry professionals and a review panel submit eligible films and performances for consideration based on release dates and criteria. Each entry must have premiered between January and November 2015.
• Judging Panel: A panel of film critics, directors, and academics evaluates entries using criteria like acting quality, storytelling, and technical execution. Scores are weighted and tallied anonymously.
• Voting Categories: While some awards are jury-decided, others include public voting, such as Best Fan Army and Most Popular Actor.
• Language Divisions: The BON Awards separate English, Yoruba, and other Nigerian language films to ensure fair recognition across linguistic and cultural lines.
• Award Ceremony: Winners are announced live at a televised event featuring performances, tributes, and celebrity appearances, enhancing public engagement.
• Eligibility Window: Films must have been released between January 1 and November 30, 2015 to qualify for the 2015 awards.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards with two other major Nigerian film awards: the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA).

The 2015 BON Awards stood out for its emphasis on regional representation and indigenous language films, unlike the AMVCA and NEA, which focused more on pan-African and diaspora audiences. This regional focus helped elevate filmmakers from southwestern Nigeria and encouraged broader cultural inclusion in Nollywood.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Best of Nollywood Awards played a crucial role in shaping industry standards and recognizing underrepresented voices in Nigerian cinema.

• The awards highlighted regional diversity by honoring Yoruba-language films and filmmakers from southwestern Nigeria.
• Winning a BON award boosted actors’ profiles, leading to increased casting opportunities and brand endorsements.
• It encouraged technical excellence by recognizing cinematography, sound editing, and visual effects in independent films.
• The public voting component strengthened fan engagement and expanded the awards’ social media reach.
• By hosting the event in Ado-Ekiti, organizers promoted decentralization of Nollywood events beyond Lagos.
• The ceremony also spotlighted social issues through humanitarian awards and tributes to industry pioneers.

The 2015 edition reinforced the BON Awards as a vital platform for celebrating Nigerian storytelling and advancing the global reputation of Nollywood.