Nollywood giants Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor headlined the iKon Awards 2025 on March 29 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The third edition of this vibrant celebration of African cinema unfolded under the theme “Back to the Roots,” encouraging attendees to don traditional attire that showcased the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.
The event honoured talent across 22 competitive categories and debuted four new prestigious awards: Best Emerging Film, Lifetime Achievement Award, African Ikon of the Year, and African Rising Star Award.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, renowned for his gripping performances, and Patience Ozokwor, a household name for her unforgettable roles, brought Nollywood’s flair to the East African stage. Their presence electrified the red carpet, where fans on social media raved, “Kanayo and Patience embodied the roots theme at #iKonAwards2025!”
The ceremony, kicking off at 7:00 PM EAT, dazzled with top-tier production by ATS Events, earning accolades for its stunning lighting, sound, and stage setup. Attendees called it “the biggest award in the country,” a sentiment echoed online.
This year, the iKon Awards broadened its scope, expanding nominee slots from four to five per category.
Winners included A History of Film in Uganda by Timothy Niwamanya (Best Documentary) and Kataleya by Denis Junior Dhikusooka (Best Animation), while The Lions Of snagged Best Visual Effects. Founder Humphrey Nabimanya highlighted the event’s goal to promote African heritage through film, stressing high standards that led to some disqualifications for missing subtitles, crucial for global reach.
The night was not just about awards but also a celebration of African storytelling, culture, and excellence in filmmaking. Guests were treated to mesmerizing performances by traditional dance troupes and live music acts, further immersing them in the “Back to the Roots” theme. The evening also featured heartfelt speeches from industry veterans, who emphasized the need for collaboration and investment in African cinema to propel it to greater heights on the global stage.
