Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has triggered fresh controversy in the film industry after lashing out at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for excluding her from its 2026 nominations.

The organisers recently unveiled the nominees for the 12th edition of the prestigious awards, sparking mixed reactions from fans and stakeholders across Nollywood.

However, Afegbai’s absence from the nomination list quickly became a talking point, especially given her prominent role in the widely discussed series “To Kill A Monkey.”

Adding to the controversy, her co-star Bimbo Akintola secured a nomination for Best Lead Actress, further fuelling debate over Afegbai’s omission.

Reacting strongly, Afegbai took to social media to vent her frustration, questioning the credibility and fairness of the selection process.

She argued that her character, Idia, was one of the most impactful and talked-about roles in the series.

According to her, the character dominated online conversations and resonated deeply with audiences throughout the year.

Despite acknowledging that awards are not the ultimate measure of success, she did not hide her disappointment.

She insisted that recognition should reflect actual audience engagement and performance impact.

“I don’t need a nomination for validation,” she wrote, attempting to downplay the snub.

However, she followed it with a sharp remark that quickly went viral.

“You guys can eat your award,” she added, in a statement widely interpreted as a direct jab at the organisers.

Her reaction has since divided opinions, with some fans backing her stance and others criticising her approach as unprofessional.

Industry observers say the incident once again raises concerns about transparency and favoritism in award selections.

The AMVCA organisers have yet to respond to her claims.

Meanwhile, the controversy continues to fuel conversations about recognition, merit, and influence in Nollywood.