A Nigerian film media company, known as ‘What Kept Me Up,’ has unveiled the results of its 2024 entertainment critics’ poll, showcasing the best in Nollywood.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of What Kept Me Up, Ikeade Oriade, in a statement on Saturday, said the poll aimed at celebrating Nollywood’s finest.

According to him, the poll has the input of esteemed film critics from around the world.

Mr Oriade said the critics voted on their top picks for films, performances, and directors, shining a spotlight on the incredible achievements of Nollywood.

“The 2024 critic’s poll was a rigorous process, with 14 Nigerian critics carefully selecting their top five films from a curated list of 79 movies released between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024. The films were showcased across various platforms, including cinemas, Prime Video, ShowMax, and Netflix. Points were awarded based on the critics’ rankings, with the top film receiving 10 points, followed by 5 points for second place, 3 points for third, 2 points for fourth, and 1 point for fifth.

“The poll revealed the films of the year 2024 as: “With Difficulty Comes Ease,” “Breath of Life,” “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Funmilayo Ransome Kuti,” “Wives on Strike 3,” “Kill Boro,” “A Green Fever” and “Afamefuna.” The directors of the year are Korede Azeez in “With Difficulty Comes Ease,” B.B. Sasore in “Breath of Life,” Bolanle Austen-Peters in “Funmilayo Ransome Kuti,” Taiwo Egunjobi in “A Green Fever” and Courage Obayuwana in “Kill Boro.”

Mr Oriade said the performances for the year under review were Uzoamaka Aniunoh in `With Difficulty Comes Ease,’’ Kehinde Bankole in “Funmilayo Ransome Kuti.’’ Hilda Dokubo in “Wives on Strike 3,’’ and Philip Asaya in  “Kill Boro.’’

Others are Uche Elumelu in “Suspicion,’’Femi Branch in “House of `Ga’a,’’ and Chimezie Imo in “Breath of Life.’’ 

The firm noted that the results of the poll were a testament to Nollywood’s incredible talent and creativity. 

It added, “The What Kept Me Up 2024 Critics Poll is more than just a celebration of Nollywood’s achievements; it also underscores the vital role of film criticism in the arts community. By recognising the hard work and dedication of Nollywood’s finest, this poll inspires continued excellence and innovation in the industry.”

(NAN)