The Nollywood psychological thriller ‘The Weekend,’ directed by Daniel Oriahi, has made waves by earning an impressive 16 nominations at the 20th African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
This announcement was made at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, marking a significant milestone for the film and solidifying its place as a groundbreaking achievement in African cinema.
Produced by Trino Motion Pictures, The Weekend pushes the boundaries of Nollywood, contributing to the global rise in its recognition and influence.
The film’s remarkable 16 nominations are an AMAA record, making The Weekend a standout at the awards. This recognition highlights the film’s exceptional quality and storytelling.
The film’s official social media page shared the excitement, with a post expressing gratitude for the recognition and congratulating the team. The news further cements ‘The Weekend’s status as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated films in recent years.
Since its nationwide release on August 30, 2024, ‘The Weekend’ has captivated both local and international audiences with its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
The psychological thriller not only achieved commercial success but also gained critical acclaim at prestigious international film festivals.
It has become the only Nollywood film this year to premiere at renowned festivals such as Tribeca, Cordillera, and SLASH Film Festivals, showcasing its universal appeal and strong resonance with global audiences.
The film’s journey to global acclaim is set to continue as it will feature at the 24th Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Los Angeles from October 8-17, 2024, and the 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) in partnership with American Express from October 9-20, 2024.
These festival appearances demonstrate the film’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and make an impact on an international level. *The Weekend*’s inclusion in these major events highlights Nollywood’s growing reputation in world cinema.
In a press statement, Uche Okocha, the producer of ‘The Weekend,’ expressed his excitement and gratitude for the AMAA nominations. He praised the film’s director, cast, and crew for their dedication and hard work.
Okocha emphasized that the recognition from AMAA reflects the brilliance of the entire team and their commitment to telling unique African stories that resonate both locally and globally.
He wrote:
“This recognition from AMAA reflects the brilliance of the director, the exceptional performances of the cast, and the ingenuity of our crew members. We are incredibly proud of our achievements and appreciate the jury for acknowledging our hard work and commitment to telling unique African stories.”
The 16 AMAA nominations that ‘The Weekend’ has received span a wide range of prestigious categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Actor in a Leading Role.
The film is also recognized for its technical achievements, with nominations in categories such as Achievement in Editing, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Sound, and Achievement in Visual Effects.
These nominations highlight the film’s all-around excellence, both in its narrative depth and technical execution.
Adding to these categories, ‘The Weekend*/’ is nominated for the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Award for Best Nigerian Film, further solidifying its place as a standout Nollywood production.
The film’s nominations in categories like Achievement in Makeup, Costume Design, and Production Design underscore its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity in its portrayal of psychological drama within an African context.
With its rich blend of psychological intrigue, cultural significance, and technical mastery, ‘The Weekend’ is not only elevating Nollywood but also positioning the industry as a major player in global cinema.
The film’s success at the AMAA and its recognition at international film festivals serve as a testament to the growth and evolving quality of African filmmaking.
Beyond ‘The Weekend,’ other Nollywood films have also made a mark at the AMAA. The epic film ‘Jagun Jagun’ has been nominated for the Ousmane Sembene AMAA 2024 Award for Best Film in an African Language, while Kenneth Gyang’s ‘This is Lagos’ has been nominated for the AMAA 2024 Award for Achievement in Soundtrack.
These nominations collectively showcase the diverse talent and creativity emerging from Nollywood, further elevating its status on the international stage.
In all, ‘The Weekend’s achievement is a proud moment for Nollywood, highlighting its growth as a cinematic force. As the film continues to gain recognition, both at home and abroad, it is setting a new standard for what Nollywood can achieve and opening the doors for more African stories to be told on the world stage.
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