The Nigerian film industry, dubbed as Nollywood, is the second largest film producer in the world to Bollywood. (Hollywood doesn’t even come close.) Films are produced by and mainly feature Nigerians making “black” actresses and actors the norm in Nigeria and across Africa. Nollywood has also crossed over into Europe as well as parts of the African diaspora across the globe. Here are just twelve of the many actresses who are apart of this film industry and have gone on to win awards on the continent.
1. Adesua Etomi
She won the coveted Best Actress (Drama) at the 2016 Amstel Malta’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. Emoti debuted on the big screen in 2014 and is one of the fastest rising stars.
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2. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
She is easily one of the most watched actresses in Nigeria. In 2005, Omotola won Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
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3. Genevieve Nnaji
She is one of the highest paid actresses in Nollywood. Nnaji won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2005 Africa Movie Academy Awards and Best Movie (Western Africa) at the 2016 Amstel Malta’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. She also acted in “Half of a Yellow Sun” (released in Nigeria and the UK) with Thandie Newton and Chiwetol Ejiofor.
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Source: www.naij.com
4. Omoni Oboli
She won Best Actress at the 2010 Los Angeles Movie Awards and Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival. Oboli also made history by starring in “Anchor Baby,” which was the second Nigerian movie ever to crossover to UK cinemas.
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5. Ini Edo
She has been featured in hundreds of movies. Edo is winner of the 2013 Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards for Best Supporting Actress.
Source: www.africanmoviesnews.com
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Source: www.bellanaija.com
6. Stephanie Okereke Linus
As an actress and director, she has won many awards, including Best Overall Movie at the 2016 Amstel Malta’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, Best Actress at the 2003 Reel Awards, and Best Actress at the 2006 Afro Hollywood Awards.
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Source: blogs.indiewire.com
7. Mercy Johnson Okojie
She won Best Actress at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.
Source: allafrica.com
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8. Rita Dominic
She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2012 and is one of the more popular actresses in Nollywood.
Source: bellanaija.com
Source: buzznigeria.com
9. Kiki Omeili
Omeili is a doctor turned actress who won Best Supporting Actress at the 2015 Global Icons Academy Movie Awards.
Source: www.bellanaija.com
She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2007. In 2010, Chukwuka also won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Afro Hollywood Awards.
Source: www.africanmoviesnews.com
Source: www.gistus.com
Source: bellanaija.com
11. Nse Ikpe Etim
She won Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards and other movie awards.
Source: www.naij.com
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12. Funke Akindele
She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009. In 2016, Akindele won Best Actress (Comedy) at the 2016 Amstel Malta’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Source: naijagists.com
Source: pulse.ng
Have you seen any of these actresses or Nollywood films?