What Is 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) marked a significant milestone in recognizing excellence across the Nigerian film industry. Held on December 1, 2018, at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, the event brought together top actors, directors, and producers to celebrate cinematic achievements from the previous year.

The ceremony spotlighted both mainstream and independent filmmakers, emphasizing storytelling, technical skill, and audience impact. With over 40 award categories, the BON Awards continue to be one of the most prestigious honors in Nollywood, second only to the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in visibility and influence.

• December 1, 2018: The awards ceremony took place on this date, marking the 10th anniversary of the BON Awards' founding in 2008. The event was broadcast live across Africa via satellite and online platforms.
• Over 40 categories: Awards spanned genres and roles, including Best Actor, Best Director, Best Indigenous Film, and Best Supporting Actress, reflecting the diversity of Nollywood productions.
• Wale Oke: Won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in 'Loved by Chance,' a romantic drama that received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and cinematography.
• Bovi and Dakore: Comedian Bovi and actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande co-hosted the event, bringing humor and elegance to the stage while engaging a wide audience across age groups.
• Lagos venue: The Eko Hotels and Suites, a premier event center in Lagos, hosted the ceremony, accommodating over 1,500 guests, including celebrities, industry executives, and international media.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards follows a structured nomination and voting process to determine winners across its many categories. A panel of judges, industry experts, and audience votes contribute to the final results, ensuring a balanced representation of artistic merit and popularity.

• Nomination Period: Films released between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were eligible for consideration. Studios and individuals submitted entries through an online portal managed by the BON organizing committee.
• Judging Panel: A 15-member panel of film critics, directors, and academics reviewed submissions and shortlisted finalists in each category based on performance, technical quality, and cultural relevance.
• Public Voting: For select categories like Best Actor and Best Movie, fans voted online, contributing 30% to the final score, while the jury’s evaluation accounted for the remaining 70%.
• Award Categories: The 2018 edition featured 42 distinct awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Indigenous Language Film, promoting linguistic and regional diversity.
• Winners Announcement: Winners were revealed live during the December 1 ceremony, with trophies and cash prizes awarded to recipients in recognition of their contributions to Nigerian cinema.
• Post-Ceremony Promotion: Winning films received increased visibility through media partnerships, streaming platform features, and international festival submissions, boosting their commercial and cultural reach.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 BON Awards with two other major Nigerian film awards to highlight differences in scope, audience, and recognition:

The BON Awards stand out for their emphasis on indigenous language films and grassroots storytelling. While AMVCA and NEA have broader international exposure, BON remains deeply rooted in local narratives and regional filmmaking traditions, making it a vital platform for emerging talent.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards played a crucial role in elevating the standards and visibility of Nigerian cinema. By honoring excellence and innovation, the event reinforced Nollywood’s status as the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, producing over 2,500 films annually.

• Industry Recognition: Winning a BON Award enhances a filmmaker’s reputation, opening doors to funding, distribution deals, and international collaborations in the global entertainment market.
• Cultural Preservation: Categories like Best Indigenous Language Film promote linguistic diversity, helping preserve Nigerian languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa through cinematic storytelling.
• Talent Development: The awards spotlight emerging actors and directors, providing mentorship opportunities and networking platforms that foster long-term career growth.
• Economic Impact: Nollywood contributes over $6.4 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP, and award recognition boosts box office performance and streaming revenue for winning films.
• Global Reach: The 2018 ceremony was streamed in over 20 countries, increasing international awareness of Nigerian culture and expanding Nollywood’s audience beyond Africa.
• Gender Inclusion: The event recognized female filmmakers like Joke Silva and Omoni Oboli, highlighting progress in gender equity within a traditionally male-dominated industry.

As Nollywood continues to evolve, the Best of Nollywood Awards remain a cornerstone of artistic validation and cultural celebration, shaping the future of African cinema.