What Is 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards celebrated excellence in Nigerian cinema, spotlighting achievements in film production, acting, and technical craftsmanship. Held on December 2, 2017, in Lagos, the ceremony brought together top industry figures to honor the year’s most impactful movies and performances.

The event, now in its ninth year, continues to grow in prestige and viewership across Africa and the diaspora. Organized by the Best of Nollywood (BON) committee, the awards emphasize both artistic quality and audience engagement in the rapidly expanding Nollywood industry.

• 38 award categories were presented, ranging from Best Actor to Best Cinematography, reflecting the industry’s diverse talent.
• 'The Wedding Party' was named Best Film, a recognition of its commercial success and cultural resonance with Nigerian audiences.
• Funke Akindele and Bovi co-hosted the ceremony, combining humor and professionalism to engage a broad television audience.
• The awards were broadcast live to over 5 million viewers across Africa via African Independent Television (AIT) and other networks.
• Over 100 films were submitted for consideration, with a rigorous selection process involving industry judges and audience voting in select categories.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards follow a structured process from nomination to final voting, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in recognizing cinematic excellence. A panel of judges, industry experts, and audience input collectively shape the final winners.

• Nomination Process: Films released between January 1 and December 31, 2016, were eligible for consideration, with producers submitting entries by September 2017.
• Judging Panel: A 15-member committee of film critics, directors, and academics reviewed entries using criteria like storytelling, technical quality, and cultural relevance.
• Audience Voting: Fans could vote online for categories like Best Actor and Best Actress, accounting for 30% of the final score.
• Final Selection: Winners were determined by combining judge scores (70%) and public votes (30%), ensuring a balanced outcome.
• Award Categories: The 2017 edition featured 38 categories, including genre-specific awards like Best Comedy and Best Drama.
• Event Production: The ceremony was produced by the BON committee and aired live, with red carpet coverage and performances enhancing viewer engagement.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards compared to previous editions in terms of scale and recognition:

The 2017 edition marked a peak in both award categories and viewership, reflecting Nollywood’s growing influence. The success of 'The Wedding Party' underscored a shift toward high-budget, mainstream films appealing to younger audiences. This trend continued in subsequent years, with increasing production values and international distribution deals.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards played a crucial role in elevating the profile of Nigerian cinema on the global stage. By honoring quality productions and fostering competition, the awards inspire higher standards across the industry.

• Industry Recognition: Winning a BON award enhances an actor’s or director’s reputation, often leading to more prominent roles and funding opportunities.
• Cultural Impact: The awards celebrate Nigerian stories, traditions, and languages, reinforcing national identity through film.
• Economic Growth: Recognition boosts box office sales and streaming numbers, contributing to Nollywood’s estimated $6.4 billion annual economic impact.
• Global Reach: International media coverage of the event increases visibility, helping Nollywood compete with Hollywood and Bollywood.
• Youth Engagement: The inclusion of fan voting and social media campaigns encourages younger audiences to participate in the cultural conversation.
• Talent Development: Emerging filmmakers gain exposure, fostering innovation and diversity in storytelling across the industry.

As Nollywood continues to evolve, events like the Best of Nollywood Awards remain vital in shaping its future and amplifying African voices worldwide.