The race for the 2026 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards has officially kicked off, with the romantic horror drama "Love & New Notes" taking the lead after securing nine nominations. Closely following behind is Daniel Etim Effiong’s film, "The Herd," which picked up eight nominations, according to a report by Olorisupergal.
Several other Nollywood titles also made impressive showings on the list. "The Creek," "Aba Blues," "Colours of Fire," and "Efunroye: The Unicorn" each earned seven nominations in multiple categories.
The top two films will face each other in key contests, including the coveted Movie of the Year award. Other titles contending for the premier prize include "The Creek," "Aba Blues," "Efunroye: The Unicorn," and "3 Cold Dishes." In addition to the top film prize, "Love & New Notes," produced by Timini Egbuson, earned spots for Director of the Year, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Kiss, Best Soundtrack, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography.
"The Herd" secured its own nods for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Social Message, Best Use of Makeup, and Best Cinematography.
The acting categories feature a lineup of prominent Nollywood talent. The Best Actor shortlist includes Timini Egbuson for "Love & New Notes," Wale Ojo for "3 Cold Dishes," and Kanayo O. Kanayo for "Grandpa Must Obey." They are joined by Jide Kene Achufusi for "Aba Blues," Uzor Arukwe for "Colours of Fire," and Bucci Franklin for "The Creek."
In the Best Actress category, Osas Ighodaro made a double appearance on the list, earning nominations for her roles in both "Colours of Fire" and "3 Cold Dishes." She is competing against Scarlet Gomez for "Behind the Scenes," Mercy Aigbe for "Everything Is New Again," Sharon Ooja for "Ordinary People," and Nse Ikpe-Etim for "Devil Is a Liar."
The Director of the Year race brings together six filmmakers. The nominees are Kayode Kasum for "Love & New Notes," Daniel Etim Effiong for "The Herd," Toka McBaror for "The Creek," Jack’enneth Opukeme for "Aba Blues," Asurf Oluseyi for "3 Cold Dishes," and the duo of Bayo Tijani and Abbey Lanre for "Efunroye: The Unicorn."
