The AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards are a South African and African awards ceremony hosted by DStv's AfricaMagic channel in association with Multichoice which feature several special categories in which viewers decide the winners directly, alongside several professionally judged categories, both in front of and behind the cameras.
Held annually, the awards recognise achievements in film and television from the preceding year.
The first AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards took place in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday 9 March 2013 and were broadcast live in South Africa on AfricaMagic at 20h00 CAT, preceded by a one-hour Red Carpet special at 19h00.
The awards also aired to DStv audiences around the continent on AfricaMagic Entertainment, AfricaMagic World, AfricaMagic Movies and AfricaMagic Movies 1. The ceremony was 90 minutes long.
About the Awards
Created to celebrate African film and television talent, both in front of and behind the cameras, the AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards feature several special categories in which viewers decide the winners directly, alongside several professionally judged categories.
Awards are awarded from acting and directing to script-writing and cinematography. Other fields which are honoured include editing, make-up, sound, lighting and costuming among others.
In addition the awards feature two special categories: the Industry Merit Award and the Trailblazer of the Year Award.
Awards are handed out at two separate events. The first event is dedicated to standout technical accomplishments while the main event is a glamorous gala night.
Both events are screened to DStv audiences across the continent, with the gala being screened live.
In order to ensure that the awards are transparent, fair and credible, AfricaMagic appoints a leading and respected industry veteran to take on the role of executive judge. All the awards are verified by an independent auditing company.