What Is 2022 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2022 Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) marked a significant celebration of achievements in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. Held annually, the event recognizes outstanding contributions across various aspects of filmmaking, from acting to technical excellence. The 2022 edition highlighted the growing influence and professionalism within Nollywood, drawing top industry figures and fans alike.

This year’s ceremony emphasized inclusivity and innovation, showcasing films that resonated with audiences both locally and internationally. With increasing global attention on African cinema, the awards served as a platform to spotlight Nigerian storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship. The event also underscored efforts to standardize industry practices and elevate production quality.

• December 3, 2022 was the official date of the ceremony, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, a traditional venue for major Nollywood events.
• The awards featured over 30 categories, ranging from Best Actor and Best Actress to technical honors like Best Cinematography and Best Sound Design.
• Ruth Kadiri won Best Actress for her performance in the drama film Sista, beating out strong competition from veteran actresses.
• Chinedu Ikedieze received the Industry Merit Award for his two-decade-long contribution to Nigerian comedy and family-friendly cinema.
• The ceremony was co-hosted by popular comedian Ayo Makun (AY) and actress Funke Akindele, adding star power and entertainment value to the event.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards follow a structured process for nominations, voting, and recognition across film genres and technical disciplines. Organized by the Independent Creative Management Initiative (ICMI), the awards aim to promote excellence and professionalism in Nigerian cinema.

• Nomination Process: Films released between January 1 and December 31, 2021, were eligible for consideration, with submissions reviewed by a panel of industry experts.
• Voting System: A hybrid model was used, combining public voting (40%) and jury assessment (60%) to determine final winners in most categories.
• Jury Composition: The judging panel included 15 members, comprising film critics, directors, and academics from Nigeria and other African countries.
• Category Classification: Awards were divided into English, Yoruba, and Pidgin-speaking film categories to reflect Nigeria’s linguistic diversity.
• Transparency Measures: Results were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to ensure fairness and credibility in the outcome.
• Award Statuette: Winners received a custom-designed bronze sculpture symbolizing cinematic excellence and cultural heritage.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2022 Best of Nollywood Awards with previous editions to illustrate growth and evolution:

The 2022 edition demonstrated clear progress in audience engagement and inclusivity. Increased public participation and expanded categories reflect Nollywood’s expanding reach and the organizers’ commitment to evolving with industry trends. The shift back to Lagos, a major cultural hub, also boosted media coverage and attendance.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Best of Nollywood Awards are more than a celebration—they represent a benchmark for quality and recognition in Africa’s largest film industry. By honoring excellence, the awards encourage higher production standards and provide visibility for emerging talent.

• The recognition of regional language films promotes cultural diversity and ensures wider representation across Nigeria’s ethnic groups.
• Winning a BON award can increase a film’s viewership by up to 40% on streaming platforms, boosting revenue and distribution opportunities.
• The event fosters networking among filmmakers, producers, and investors, contributing to the industry’s economic growth.
• International nominees from Ghana and Kenya highlight Nollywood’s growing influence across West and East Africa.
• Technical awards encourage innovation in areas like sound editing and visual effects, pushing creative boundaries.
• The ceremony’s 2.5 million live viewers underscore its role as a major cultural event in the African entertainment calendar.

As Nollywood continues to expand globally, events like the Best of Nollywood Awards play a crucial role in shaping its identity and future trajectory.