In a night defined by both artistic excellence and profound personal emotion, Nollywood actor Bucci Franklin was crowned Best Supporting Actor at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, saw the 39-year-old Port Harcourt-born actor recognised for his compelling portrayal of Obozhuiomwen “Oboz” Ogbemudia in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, To Kill a Monkey.
Franklin emerged victorious from a formidable field of nominees, which included notable performances by Simileoluwa Hassan (The Yard), Lateef Adedimeji (Gingerrr and Red Circle), Gabriel Afolayan (Colours of Fire), Femi Adebayo (Agesinkole 2), Femi Branch (Owabbe Thieves), and Uzor Arukwe (Behind the Scenes).
The atmosphere in the hall shifted from celebratory to deeply moving as Franklin took to the stage. Amidst a standing ovation, the actor delivered one of the most emotional acceptance speeches in the history of the awards. Fighting back tears, he revealed the personal tragedy that shadowed his professional success.
“Seven days before To Kill a Monkey came out, I lost the most important person in my life,” Franklin told the audience. “I lost my mum, my guardian angel, my prayer warrior, my best friend. I created Oboz for her… but she didn’t get to watch it.”
Franklin dedicated the accolade to his late mother, Joy Odurukwe, whose passing he had previously marked with a poignant social media tribute in late 2025.
Despite his grief, Franklin utilised his platform to inspire the next generation of African storytellers. Reflecting on his roots, he offered a spirited message of encouragement to aspiring artists from his home region.
“To that creative, wherever you are, especially you in the Niger Delta, because I am a Port Harcourt boy, whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it. Don’t stop.”
He also extended his profound gratitude to the series creator, Kemi Adetiba, acknowledging her pivotal role in his career. “If you did not cast me, my sister, I would not be here,” he remarked.
To Kill a Monkey, an eight-episode crime thriller released in July 2025, has been lauded for its gritty exploration of ambition, morality, and survival in contemporary Lagos. Franklin’s portrayal of the charismatic yet morally complex “Oboz da Boss” has been widely cited by critics as a masterclass in depth and intensity.
The series, which also features veterans such as Bimbo Akintola and Chidi Mokeme, follows the descent of a struggling graduate into the world of cybercrime—a narrative journey anchored by the dynamic and tragic partnership between the lead character and Franklin’s award-winning Oboz.
The AMVCA remains the premier platform for recognising excellence in the African film and television industry, and Franklin’s win cements his status as one of the continent’s most formidable acting talents.
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