The popular movie series titled, Shanty Town; and another film, Underbelly, emerged the biggest winners at the 2023 Best of Nollywood Awards, which took place in Osogbo, Osun State, on Friday, December 22, 2023.
Shanty Town was adjudged to be the Movie of the Year; while Chidi Mokeme and Ini Edo won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (English), and Best Actress in a Leading Role (English), respectively for their roles in the movie.
The acclaimed movie series also took home the Best Actress of the Year Award in a Supporting Role (Nse Ikpe-Etim), and Best use of Make-up.
Meanwhile, Underbelly carted away four awards— Director of the Year, Best Use of Special Effects, Best in Production Design, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role; English (Stan Nze).
Similarly, Ifedichie won the award for Best Use of Nigerian food, while Marc Adebesin and AJ Fashina’s Dice took home the award for Best Use of Costume.
Also, House of Secrets won the award for Movie with the Best Sound, while the Best Screenplay went to the movie, Afamefuna, with the duo of Kiki Bakare/Mimisola Daniels, winning the award for the Best Kiss in a movie for Egun.
One of the highlights of the event was when the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, alongside BON’s founder, Seun Oloketuyi, presented the special recognition awards to veteran thespians— Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and Toyin Adegbola (Ashewo to re Mecca), for their contributions to the movie industry.
Maintaining that Osun is the bedrock of arts and culture, Adeleke said, “I bring good tidings to you in terms of culture, tourism and entertainment.
“l invite the creative industry and movie producers to come to Osun. I assure you that the government will give you all the necessary support to grow and become the best.” he said.
Expressing joy at being recognised in the creative industry, Oga Bello said, “I urge our creative industry practitioners to continue to strive to be good role models to the younger generation.
“Everyone should continue to seek for more knowledge in what they do, display humility, maintain discipline and be honest in all their dealings.”
Other winners on the night include Best Actor in a Leading Role (Yoruba) – Mustipha Sholagbade for 50/50, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) – Debbie Sokoya for Keji, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) – Funsho Adeolu for Asa, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) – Jumoke Odetola for Square One.
