The 2012 African Movie Awards which started with a moving speech by CEO of the awards, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, calling for African leaders to remove the borders that divides Africa, could be remembered for other unforgettable speeches including the acceptance speech from first time winners, Majid Michel and Rita Dominc winners of the Best Actor and Best Actress in a Leading Role respectively. Ghana’ Majid Michel was nominated for his double role in ‘Somewhere In Africa’ alongside Menzi Ngubane, Chet Anekwe, Jafta Mamabolo, Karabo Lance, Wale Ojo and Hakeem Kae-Kazim. Majid had been nominated on several occasions in the same category but was never until last Sunday night’s ceremony in Lagos.  The excited actor in a desperate attempt to sound profound only ended up being his usual comedic self as he shared what being nominated four times and never winning an AMAA meant to him. Needless to say, he was very exciting about winning and he couldn’t hide it.

The story wasn’t too different for Nigeria’s Rita Dominic, perhaps just a bit more emotional as she seemed to have been finally recognized for her work, spanning over a decade. Her triumph came with her role in the movie Kenyan movie, ‘Shattered’. Nominated in the same category were Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yvonne Okoro, Ama K. Abebrese, Uche Jombo, Millicent Makheido, and Kudzai-Sevenzo Nyarai. Rita Dominic received her award, accompanied by past winner, Kate Henshaw. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to her fans, particularly on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

Another memorable speech was from the almost teary Best Young / Promising Actor winner, Ivie Okujaye who said that the AMAA recognition meant a lot more to her because she comes from a background that makes such dreams almost impossible. Ivie, who won the fifth season of the hit Nigerian reality TV show, Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) won the award for her role in the AMBO movie, ‘Alero’s Symphony’.