Nollywood Secures 5 Nominations at 2025 Septimius Awards in Amsterdam

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Nollywood is making another bold statement on the global stage, with five standout titles securing multiple nominations at the prestigious 2025 Septimius Awards.

The Septimius Awards, an international film celebration that honours outstanding storytelling and talent from around the world, will take place in Amsterdam from September 3 to 4, 2025. This year, Nigerian filmmakers are stepping into the spotlight with works spanning ancient epics, gripping thrillers, emotional dramas, and raw, character-driven series.

Here’s a closer look at the Nigerian titles competing for glory:

5 Nollywood Films Nominated for the 2025 Septimius Awards

1. The Serpent’s Gift – Nominated for Best African Film and Best African Actor (Stan Nze).
2. Grind (Season 2) – Nominated for Best Series.
3. Mai Martaba – Nominated for Best African Film, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Hairstyling.
4. 3 Cold Dishes – Nominated for Best Screenplay and Best African Actress (Osas Ighodaro).
5. Recall – Nominated for Best Producer, Best African Actress (Sharon Ooja), and Best African Actor (Olarotimi Fakunle).

 

1. The Serpent’s Gift

Produced by Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi and directed by Kayode Kasum, The Serpent’s Gift has earned nominations for Best African Film and Best African Actor (Stan Nze).

Written by Stephen Okonkwo and Mr Mett, the film follows a woman whose husband dies under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to face accusations and dangerous conspiracies from her in-laws.

The star-studded cast includes Tina Mba, Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor, Beverly Osu, Etim Effiong, Inem King, Uche Chika, Chico Aligwekwe, Tracey George, Florence Sunday, Ric Hassani, David Destiny, Nonso Odogwu, Moyinoluwa Olutayo, Marcela Aipoh, Alexander Ayalogu, and Thelma Chukwunwem.

Distributed by Nile Entertainment, the movie will premiere in West African cinemas on August 29, 2025.

2. Grind (Season 2)

The second season of Grind, created by Roberta Orioma, has secured a Best Series nomination.

Directed by Orire Nwani and Joshua Tsotso, and produced by Josh Olaoluwa and Orioma, the drama series dives into the life of Tarela, a young woman who turns to exotic dancing to support her family and pay for her sister’s education. The show offers a raw and unfiltered look at Lagos nightlife, exploring themes of survival, ambition, sacrifice, and personal agency.

 

3. Mai Martaba

Nigeria’s official 2025 Oscar submission, Mai Martaba, has received four nominations: Best African Film, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Hairstyling.

Produced by Ghali Abdallah Dz and Prince Daniel, and directed by Daniel himself, the historical epic is a spin-off of the popular radio drama Kasar Jallaba on 93.1 Arewa Radio.

Set in an ancient kingdom that thrived on the Trans-Saharan trade, the story chronicles the collapse of prosperity when the Agadashawa ruling clan is torn apart by internal power struggles. The cast includes Adam A. Zango, Ghali Abdallah DZ, Muktar Aminu Haruna, Fatima Mohammed, and Tasi’u Ali.

The film debuted in Kano, Kastina, and Kaduna cinemas in 2024 but has not had a wider release.

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4. 3 Cold Dishes

Directed by Oluseyi Asurf and written by Tomi Adesina, 3 Cold Dishes has earned nods for Best Screenplay and Best African Actress (Osas Ighodaro).

This revenge thriller spans Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania, unpacking themes of human trafficking, betrayal, and retribution.

The cast includes Wale Ojo, Bambadjan Bamba, Amélie Mbaye, Greg Ojefua, Mentor Bâ, Femi Jacobs, Anouble Didier, Tomiwa Sage, Sourou Govoeke, Prescilia, Bayili Fulbert, Didier Nassegande, and Brutus the Actor.

The film is executively produced by Osas Ighodaro and Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy and will premiere nationwide on November 7, 2025.

 

5. Recall

Written, directed, and produced by Kunle Afolayan, Recall has been nominated for Best Producer, Best African Actress (Sharon Ooja), and Best African Actor (Olarotimi Fakunle).

The emotional drama follows Goke, a loving husband, whose wife loses her memory just one day after their 10th wedding anniversary. As he struggles to help her remember their life together, a hidden truth threatens to keep them apart forever.

Recall premiered at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2024 before hitting Nigerian cinemas in April 2025.

This year’s nominations underscore Nollywood’s evolution as a global cinematic force, with diverse storytelling that bridges cultures, genres, and languages. From historical dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers, Nigeria’s film industry continues to prove its creative depth and international appeal.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the Septimius Awards?

The Septimius Awards are an international film and television award ceremony held in Amsterdam, celebrating outstanding talent and storytelling from across the globe.

2. When will the 2025 Septimius Awards be held?

The event will take place from September 3 to 4, 2025.

3. How many Nigerian titles are nominated this year?

Five Nollywood titles – The Serpent’s Gift, Grind (Season 2), Mai Martaba, 3 Cold Dishes, and Recall – have been nominated across multiple categories.

4. Which Nollywood film received the most nominations?

Mai Martaba leads with four nominations.

5. Will these nominated films be available to watch in Nigeria before the awards?

Yes. The Serpent’s Gift will premiere in West African cinemas in August, 3 Cold Dishes will hit cinemas in November, and Recall is already available in Nigerian cinemas.