The AMVCA Diaries: Predicting the 2024 AMVCAs winners for makeup and costume design

The 2024 AMVCAs are just around the corner, and anticipation is in the air! While we can’t wait for the red carpet glitz, our excitement peaks as we look forward to our favourite stars claiming their well-deserved accolades for their stellar performances in 2023. This year’s films have broken new ground, with powerful stories highlighting women’s resilience against societal challenges, deep dives into African folklore and spirituality, and gripping portrayals of historical battles and victories.

In this special AMVCA Nominee Diaries edition, we spotlight the incredible Best Costume and Makeup nominees. These artists have brilliantly brought characters to life, transforming narratives with every stitch and brushstroke. Let’s explore the magic behind the scenes and see why these talented individuals make us eager to find out who will win the coveted awards!

The 2024 AMVCAs ‘Best Makeup’ nominees:

• “Over The Bridge” (Francesca Otaigbe): Francesca Otaigbe masterfully uses makeup to depict the transformation of the lead character in “Over The Bridge” from a bright, lively student to a person deeply affected by depression. Her approach involves subtly adjusting the makeup to gradually introduce paler skin tones and enhance shadows under the eyes. These changes mirror the character’s internal struggle and descent into emotional turmoil. The thoughtful application not only adds depth to the portrayal but also powerfully conveys the impact of mental health issues, making the character’s journey both authentic and emotionally resonant.
• “Mami Wata” (Campbell Precious Arebamen): In “Mami Wata,” makeup artist Campbell Precious Arebamen truly brings the film’s supernatural elements to life. Characters are beautifully decorated with intricate white patterns of dots and lines across their faces, echoing traditional African body art. This bold makeup contrasts vividly with their skin and complements their ornate costumes of beads and shells. The overall effect is mesmerising, pulling the audience into a world that feels both ancient and otherworldly and perfectly capturing the film’s mystical ambience.
• “Mojisola” (Hadizat Gambo): In “Mojisola,” makeup artist Hadizat Gambo enhances the film’s romantic and historical narrative through subtle, naturalistic makeup techniques that complement the authentic portrayal of characters set against the backdrop of colonial Jos, Nigeria. The minimal makeup approach reflects the film’s emphasis on natural beauty, aligning seamlessly with the lush historical settings and the director’s personal memories of the area. This choice underscores the film’s magical realism and the nostalgia of a bygone era, making the visual storytelling resonate deeply with audiences. Gambo’s work not only accentuates the film’s aesthetic but also helps to curate a vivid tableau of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
• “Jagun Jagun” (Hakeem Onilogbo): In “Jagun Jagun,” Hakeem Onilogbo’s makeup artistry significantly enhances the film by thoughtfully tailoring looks to deepen character narratives. We see minimal makeup emphasising ruggedness, a more refined appearance for central female characters, and detailed makeup underscoring wisdom for elders, adding depth to the film’s portrayal of community roles. Onilogbo’s skilful work throughout the movie enriches the storytelling, connecting viewers more deeply with the characters.
• “A Tribe Called Judah” (Feyisayo Oyebisi): Feyisayo Oyebisi’s makeup artistry in “Breath of Life” is characterised by a naturalistic approach that subtly accentuates the characters’ innate qualities while harmonising with the film’s emotional and thematic undertones. Employing understated yet effective makeup techniques, Oyebisi enhances the visual narrative, ensuring each character’s look resonates with their personal and collective journeys. This thoughtful application not only supports character development but also enriches the overall authenticity and visual appeal of the film.

The 2024 AMVCAs ‘Best Costume Design’ nominees:

• “Over The Bridge” – Demola Adeyemi: Demola Adeyemi’s costume designs in the movie skillfully interweave traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing the diverse personalities and backgrounds of the characters. By strategically selecting fabrics and styles that range from vibrant traditional attire to polished modern suits, Adeyemi uses costume as a powerful tool for visual storytelling. This thoughtful approach not only enhances character development but also vividly highlights the narrative’s themes, offering a deeper understanding of the characters’ identities and the environments they navigate.
• “Fumilayo Ransome – Kuti” (Bolanle Austen-Peters, Ituen Basi, Folake Coker, Clement Effanga): The costume design team of “Fumilayo Ransome – Kuti,” featuring the talents of Bolanle Austen-Peters, Ituen Basi, Folake Coker, and Clement Effanga, has masterfully created period costumes that vividly bring to life the historical context of the film. Their well-researched and meticulously detailed outfits not only capture the essence of the era but also enrich the narrative by authentically reflecting the cultural and social backdrop of the story. This attentive approach to costume design ensures that the film resonates with depth and authenticity, effectively immersing viewers in the specific historical period depicted.
• “Jagun Jagun” (Lola Awe): In “Jagun Jagun,” Lola Awe’s costume designs masterfully highlight cultural heritage and authenticity. Each costume is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and rich textures that underscore the film’s narrative depth. Awe’s work immerses viewers in a vivid cultural tapestry, enhancing the storytelling by visually anchoring the characters within their vibrant historical and cultural context.
• “Mami Wata” (Bunmi Demilola Fashino): In “Mami Wata,” Bunmi Demilola Fashino’s costume designs artfully merge traditional African motifs with a fantastical flair, bringing an ethereal dimension to the film’s mystical setting. Her innovative use of authentic materials, intricate beadwork, and rich textures transforms each ensemble into a visually captivating spectacle. These costumes not only enhance the film’s otherworldly atmosphere but also deeply root the narrative in cultural symbolism, engaging the audience with their beauty and cultural authenticity.
• “Breathe of Life” (Daniel Obasi): In “Breath of Life,” Daniel Obasi’s costume designs embody a sophisticated blend of modern style and subtle cultural influences. His work elegantly enhances the film’s narrative through attire that is both stylish and deeply meaningful, reflecting the characters’ diverse backgrounds and personal stories. Each outfit is meticulously chosen to complement the emotional and thematic nuances of the film, enriching the visual storytelling and underscoring the film’s artistic vision.

Our prediction for Best Makeup and Costumes at the AMVCA 

Best makeup

A Tribe Called Judah,” with makeup by Feyisayo Oyebisi. Here’s why this film stands out:

• Innovative Techniques: Feyisayo Oyebisi’s makeup work showcases innovative and creative techniques that elevate character transformations and contribute to the film’s visual storytelling.
• Cultural Fusion: “A Tribe Called Judah”  features a fusion of artistic and contemporary makeup styles, reflecting the film’s thematic elements and adding depth to character portrayals, character ageing with makeup, and visual effects of illness or disease.

Best Costume Design

Our prediction for Best Costume Design at the AMVCA is “Fumilayo Ransome – Kuti,” with costume design by Bolanle Austen-Peters, Ituen Basi, Folake Coker, and Clement Effanga. Here’s why I believe this film is poised to win:

• Authentic Period Costumes: The collaborative costume design team has crafted authentic period costumes that transport viewers to a specific historical era, capturing the film’s narrative’s social context and cultural significance.
• Meticulous Research: Expect meticulous attention to detail in the costumes, reflecting extensive research and a deep understanding of the film’s setting and characters.
• Enriched Narrative: The costumes in “Fumilayo Ransome – Kuti” are likely integral to character development and narrative enrichment, enhancing the storytelling and immersing audiences in the film’s world.

As the 2024 AMVCAs approach, excitement builds over which films will snag the prestigious awards. Stay tuned to honour the incredible talent of the makeup artists and costume designers who bring African cinema to life. Which films will triumph? Find out at the 2024 AMVCAs, where we’ll celebrate the winners and the magic they create with every stitch and brushstroke. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate filmmaking excellence at this year’s AMVCA!