The 16th BON Awards took over Ilorin, Kwara State in grand style, bringing together stars from across Nollywood and beyond for a weekend that was full of dazzling moments.
Held on November 23 and 24, 2024 at the iconic Sugar Factory Film Studios, the event celebrated the very best in Nigerian cinema with a blend of excitement, elegance, and unforgettable moments.
The weekend kicked off with a glamorous Welcome Party on November 23, 2024 at the chic Sugar Factory Lounge.
It was a night of mingling, music, and fun as Segun Arinze and other A-list celebrities gathered to celebrate Nollywood.
Fans, influencers, and media personalities were all in attendance, adding their unique flair to the night.
It was an incredible mix of people from all walks of life, from filmmakers to social media influencers, who came together to celebrate the thriving Nollywood industry.
The next day, November 24, was the big day: Red Carpet time!
Celebrities, filmmakers, and influencers made their grand entrances at the Sugar Factory Hall, where they posed for cameras and gave interviews to eager media outlets.
The red carpet was alive with energy as a slew of stars – ranging from actors and actresses to influencers and media moguls – came to shine.
Kanayo O. Kanayo and Mercy Aigbe, both giants in the Nollywood industry, graced the carpet with their presence, adding even more star power to the event.
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Everyone from Toyin Abraham, the vivacious host, to a mix of established Nollywood icons and rising stars, made a statement with their glamorous outfits and sparkling personalities.
What made the Red Carpet truly special was the diverse mix of people.
It wasn’t just about the actors.
Ordinary fans, education influencers, and even everyday people who simply loved Nollywood found themselves mingling in excitement.
It felt more like a celebration of Nollywood as a whole, with every individual bringing their own style and energy to the event.
As the Red Carpet festivities wrapped up, the crowd moved into the Sugar Factory Hall for the highly anticipated award ceremony.
The evening kicked off with a burst of energy, and the crowd eagerly awaited the recognition of Nollywood’s finest.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, along with his wife, their aides and several commissioners were on hand to offer his support for the growth of the film industry.
The evening saw an acknowledgement and heartfelt nod to many other stars in attendance, including directors, producers, and veterans of Nollywood.
These individuals, who have paved the way for today’s brightest stars, were praised for their relentless dedication and contributions to the industry and notable personalities like Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, and Muka Ray were also acknowledged during the ceremony for their extraordinary contributions with Kanayo O. Kanayo going home with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the awards were announced, fans and colleagues alike celebrated the achievements of the winners, with the night full of cheers, applause, and the occasional tear.
The atmosphere was one of immense pride, as the best in the business were celebrated for their hard work and talent.
List of winners
Best Actor: Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
Best Actress: Omowunmi Dada (Unknown Soja)
Best Supporting Actor: Keppy Ekpenyong (The Weekend)
Best Supporting Actress: Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy)
Director of the Year: Bayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
Best Indigenous Film: Jagun Jagun
Best Cinematography: Adire
Best Screenplay: Momiwa
Best Short Film: Out of Many
Best Editing: Momiwa
Best Sound: Offshoot
Best Social Message: Unleashed
Best Costume: Jagun Jagun
Best Soundtrack: Oloku Ada
Best Use of Food: Nwanyi Abacha
Most Promising Actor: Ozechi Franklin Izuchukwu
Most Promising Actress: Chioma Okafor
Best Production Design: Jagun Jagun
Best Kiss: Halimah Ganiyu & David Akande (Etiketa)
Best Documentary: Is It Your Money?
Best Special Effect: Jagun Jagun
As the night drew to a close, everyone headed to the after-party to continue the celebrations.
The music, dancing, and laughter carried on until the early hours of the morning, making the 16th BON Awards a truly unforgettable experience.
The BON Awards 2024 proved to be an incredible showcase of Nollywood’s talent and resilience.
From the welcome party to the red carpet and the award ceremony, the weekend was filled with high-energy moments, laughter, and heartfelt wins.
This year’s BON Awards were not just about celebrating the stars on screen, but about highlighting the diverse and thriving Nollywood community that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
