Streaming platforms like Prime Video and Netflix have transformed how people consume films in recent years and reshaped how movies are released and marketed.
However, their impact is no longer restricted to how they are reshaping movie distribution because of their growing influence on movie award shows, demonstrated by their dominance on the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nomination list.
Five out of the eight movies nominated for the prestigious Best Movie award this year are from Netflix or Amazon Prime. Since 2022, films from these platforms have consistently taken home the top prize, from “Amina” (Netflix) in 2022 to “Anikulapo” (Netflix) in 2023, and “Breath of Life” (Amazon Prime) in 2024.
The nominees for the 2025 Best Movie award include “Christmas in Lagos” (Amazon Prime), Farmer’s Bride, Freedom Way, “House of Gaa” (Netflix), “Inkabi” (Netflix), “Lisabi” (Netflix), “Skeleton Coast,” and “Suspicion” (Amazon Prime).
Aside from dominating the most coveted category, streaming platform originals lead in overall nominations. “Seven Doors,” a Netflix original, tops the list with eleven nominations, followed closely by “Lisabi” with ten. “House of Gaa” and “Inkabi” each secured six nominations, while “Christmas in Lagos” earned five.
Read also: Here is the full list of 2025 AMVCA nominees
Previously, films typically debuted in cinemas before making their way to streaming platforms. However, the shift in viewing habits, coupled with increased investments in original productions by streaming giants, has made these platforms the first choice for many filmmakers.
Between 2016 to 2022, Netflix invested $125 million in South Africa and $23.6 million in Nigeria, its biggest African markets, resulting in the commissioning of 472 titles.
“It is essential to us that Netflix remains the premier destination for the best in Nigerian storytelling for our members in Nigeria,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for the Middle East and Africa in 2024.
Nigeria’s data consumption surged by 699.79 percent to 1,000,930.60 terabytes (TB) in January 2025 from 125,149.86 TB in December 2019, with video streaming as a primary driver. This shift has cemented streaming platforms as the dominant force in movie distribution, translating into award season success.
The trend is not unique to Nigeria. For the 2025 Oscars, Netflix secured 18 nominations across six titles, second only to Universal Pictures’ 25 nominations, while Amazon MGM Studios received two nominations.
However, this dominance may soon face challenges in Nigeria. Niyi Akinmolayan, the filmmaker behind Lisabi, tweeted on the day after the list was released, “@NetflixNaija Originals: Lisabi, Seven Doors, House of Gaa, Anikulapo dominated the AMVCA nominations last night. What do you think this means especially now that funding for originals has stopped?”
Both Netflix and Amazon Prime have announced investment cuts in the country. Experts have cited low subscription rates as a reason, with Nigerian subscribers paying as little as $4.48 per month compared to $8.41 in South Africa.
“It is a wake-up call because I think we were quick to assume that the international streamers coming into the country were our saviours,” added James Amuta, a filmmaker.
