What Is 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards

Overview

The 2019 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in Nigerian cinema and television, marking a significant moment in the country's entertainment calendar. Held on December 7, 2019, in Abuja, the event brought together actors, directors, and producers to honor excellence across more than 30 categories.

Since its inception in 2010, the BON Awards have grown into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious film events. The 2019 edition highlighted both mainstream and independent productions, emphasizing storytelling, technical craftsmanship, and audience impact.

• December 7, 2019 was the official date of the ceremony, hosted at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, drawing over 1,000 attendees including celebrities and industry executives.
• The event recognized achievements in over 30 categories, ranging from Best Actor to Best Indigenous Film, showcasing the diversity of Nigeria’s film landscape.
• 'Seven and a Half' took home the top prize of Best Movie, a psychological thriller directed by Moses Inwang that received critical acclaim for its narrative depth.
• Comedian Bovi Muhammad and actress Funke Akindele co-hosted the ceremony, bringing humor and cultural flair to the evening’s proceedings.
• The BON Awards were established in 2010 by the Nigerian Guild of Directors and Producers to spotlight talent and elevate standards in Nollywood.

How It Works

The Best of Nollywood Awards follow a structured nomination and voting process to ensure fairness and industry representation. A panel of judges and industry professionals evaluates entries based on artistic merit, technical quality, and audience reception.

• Nomination Process: Films released between January and December 2019 were eligible. Studios and individuals submitted entries by October 2019 for consideration across 30+ categories.
• Judging Panel: A committee of 25 industry experts, including directors, critics, and guild representatives, reviewed submissions and shortlisted finalists.
• Public Voting: For select categories like Best Actor, fans voted online, contributing 30% to the final decision, while judges accounted for the remaining 70%.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only Nigerian-produced films or those co-produced with Nigerian entities qualified, ensuring authenticity and national representation in all entries.
• Award Categories: Included Best Movie, Best Director, Best Actress, and niche awards like Best Indigenous Language Film and Best Short Film.
• Ceremony Format: The event lasted approximately 4 hours, featuring performances, tributes, and live announcements of winners in a televised broadcast.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 BON Awards with other major Nigerian film events:

The 2019 BON Awards stood out for its focus on Nollywood-specific achievements and inclusion of regional language films. While AMAA has broader African representation, BON emphasizes Nigerian narratives and grassroots talent.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards played a crucial role in promoting Nigerian culture and elevating cinematic standards. By recognizing both commercial and artistic success, the event encouraged innovation and professionalism in the industry.

• The awards highlighted regional diversity by honoring films in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, promoting linguistic inclusivity in mainstream cinema.
• Winning a BON award increased a film’s box office visibility, often boosting post-ceremony ticket sales by up to 40%.
• Emerging filmmakers gained exposure through categories like Best Short Film, helping launch careers in a competitive industry.
• The event strengthened Nigeria’s soft power by showcasing local stories to international audiences through live broadcasts and media coverage.
• Recognition from BON improved access to film funding and distribution deals for winners and nominees alike.
• The 2019 ceremony emphasized gender balance, with nearly 45% of acting awards going to female performers.

Overall, the 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards reinforced the cultural and economic significance of Nigeria’s film industry, celebrating creativity while setting benchmarks for future excellence.