By G9ija
Nollywood’s top actors and musicians triumph at the 14th edition Best Of Nollywood Awards (BON) ceremony hosted by Governor Hope Uzodinma in Owerri, Imo State on December 3.
Almajiri by Toka McBaror and Obsession by Director Mo stood up as the two largest winners of the 2022 BON awards.
The awards, which were hosted by Lateef Adedimeji and Queen Nwokoye saw various entertainment stakeholders receive awards for their works in 2022, with ‘Almajiri’ winning the ‘Movie of the Year’ award.
Apart from clinching the Best Actor in a leading role (English), ‘Almajiri’ also bagged the Best Cinematography, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (English), Best Production Design, Best Child Actress, and Best Social Message awards. Giving ‘Almajiri’ a run for its money at the awards were Tunde Kelani and Jade Osiberu’s ‘Ayinla,’ Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’, and Director Mo’s ‘Obsession’.
‘Ayinla’ carted away with four awards in different categories including Best Actor in a Lead Role (Yoruba), Best Actor in a Support Role (Yoruba), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba), Best Use of Nigerian food, while Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ also took home the award for Best Costume, Best Sound, and Director of the year. Director Mo’s Obsession also won the award for Best Supporting Actress (English) and Best MakeUp categories.
In the same vein, Prince Jide Kosoko, a popular thespian, and Ebele Okaro won the Special Recognition awards. The awards were presented by Governor Uzodinma, who said he was happy to host the awards ceremony in Owerri.
Kosoko and Okaro expressed delight for being recognised in the creative industry with Kosoko dedicating his award to the industry as well as All Progressive Congress presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The prize for the most promising actor went to Abayomi Alvin, and the prize for the most promising actress went to Efe Irele. Again, Abayomi was recognized for giving the best kiss in a movie. Damilola Oni and Kiki Bakare are two more honorees who received Trailblazers awards. For the Revelations of the Year Awards, Lanre Adediwura and Juliet Njemanze, Cold for Best Editing and Special Effects, Breaded Life for Best Screenplay, and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Cold.
During his statement during the occasion, Seun Oloketuyi, the founder and CEO of BON Awards, emphasized the significance of supporting the Nigerian film industry.
He said: “Nollywood brings about employment, and if properly structured and managed can be a major source of annual earnings. Looking back at the Nollywood year, it’s been tough but practitioners move on as usual while putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians. I thank Governor Hope Uzodinma for agreeing to host the event and not just paying lip service, but going all out to ensure this is a success.”
