What Is 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards, commonly referred to as BON, celebrated outstanding achievements in the Nigerian film industry during the 2013–2014 period. Held on December 20, 2014, the event marked its sixth edition and continued its mission of recognizing excellence in both English and indigenous language cinema across Nigeria.

The ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, drawing major stars, directors, and producers from across Nollywood. Unlike other award shows, BON emphasizes performances in multiple Nigerian languages, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, promoting cultural inclusivity within the industry.

• Event Date: The 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards occurred on December 20, 2014, marking the culmination of a year-long evaluation of film releases.
• Venue: The ceremony was hosted at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, a prestigious location often used for national and international events.
• Hosts: Comedian Julius Agwu and actress Funke Akindele co-hosted the event, bringing humor and glamour to the evening.
• Categories: Over 30 competitive categories were awarded, ranging from Best Actor to Best Indigenous Language Film, reflecting the diversity of Nollywood.
• Major Winner:Rita Dominic won Best Actress in an English Film for her role in *The Meeting*, a political drama directed by Mildred Okwo.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards operates through a structured nomination and voting process involving industry professionals and select public input. The system ensures recognition of both commercial success and artistic merit across Nigeria’s diverse film sectors.

• Nomination Process: Films released between January 2013 and December 2013 were eligible, with submissions reviewed by a screening committee.
• Judging Panel: A panel of film critics, directors, and academics evaluated entries based on performance, direction, and cultural relevance.
• Voting: Final winners were determined by a combination of judges’ scores and limited public voting in select popularity-based categories.
• Language Categories: The BON Awards separate English, Yoruba, and Hausa films to ensure fair competition across linguistic groups.
• Eligibility: Only films officially registered with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and publicly screened were considered for nomination.
• Award Design: Winners received a custom-designed trophy symbolizing cinematic excellence, crafted by Nigerian artists to reflect local heritage.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 BON Awards can be compared to other major Nigerian film honors based on timing, categories, and industry impact.

This comparison highlights BON’s unique emphasis on linguistic diversity and regional representation, setting it apart from competitors that focus primarily on English-language cinema. Its December timing also positions it as a year-end capstone for Nollywood achievements.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards played a significant role in shaping industry standards and elevating underrepresented voices in Nigerian cinema. By honoring films in indigenous languages, BON fosters inclusivity and encourages high production values across all Nollywood sectors.

• Cultural Recognition: The awards highlight Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo-language films, preserving Nigeria’s linguistic heritage through cinema.
• Career Boost: Winning a BON award significantly increases an actor’s marketability and casting opportunities across Nollywood.
• Industry Benchmark: The rigorous selection process sets a standard for quality in storytelling, acting, and technical execution.
• Gender Equity: Female filmmakers and actresses, such as Rita Dominic and Stephanie Linus, received notable recognition, promoting gender balance.
• Public Engagement: Public voting in select categories increases fan participation and media coverage of the event.
• International Exposure: The ceremony is broadcast across Africa and online, enhancing Nollywood’s global visibility.

By celebrating both mainstream and regional cinema, the 2014 BON Awards reinforced the idea that Nigerian film excellence is not limited to one language or region. Its legacy continues to influence how Nigerian stories are told and honored.