The highly anticipated Ikon Awards 2025 has announced this year’s nominees during a special live broadcast on the Ikon Awards Youtube page.
The announcement has spotlighted outstanding talents in 22 categories which include Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director of Photography, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Editor, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Special Effects, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Animation Film, Best TV Series, Best Actor in a TV Series, Best Actress in a TV Series, Best Student Film, and Ikon Rising Star.
Additionally, the Ikon Executive Committee has revealed four prestigious awards Best Emerging Film – recognizing promising new cinematic work, Lifetime Achievement Award – honoring an individual’s enduring contributions to the film industry, African Ikon of the Year – celebrating an influential figure in African cinema and African Rising Star Award – highlighting an emerging talent making waves on the continent.
One of the key highlights of this year’s awards is the expansion of the nominee slots in each of the 22 competitive categories from four to five, offering greater recognition for outstanding talent.
“What makes this year's Ikon Awards special is that we have expanded the number of nominees, creating more room to celebrate exceptional work. This time, we are stronger than ever in championing inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices in the film and television industry,” said Usama Mukwaya, Ikon Awards producer.
Speaking at the Ikon nominees announcement, Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of the Ikon Awards, emphasized the power of collaboration in advancing Uganda’s film industry.
“We believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of progress in the film industry of Uganda. The Ikon Awards serve not only as a celebration of our cinematic achievements but also as a powerful platform for uniting filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts in our shared mission to uplift and elevate the Ugandan film landscape. Together, we can harness our collective creativity and passion to showcase the rich stories of our nation, and the Ikon Awards stand as a testament to the remarkable growth and potential of our industry,” he said.
As part of the Ikon nominations announcement, a powerful panel discussion took place featuring renowned filmmakers Doreen Nabbanja, Drake Makanga Clay, and Lucky Lora Atwiine.
The discussion centered on the growth of Uganda’s film industry, with a special emphasis on the evolving roles of women in film and television.
Doreen Nabbanja, a filmmaker who attended the nominations announcement, shared her excitement about the growing competitiveness in the industry.
“It’s incredible to witness how much the Ugandan film industry has evolved. The nominations this year highlight an intense level of competition, proving that our storytellers and filmmakers are pushing boundaries like never before. Whether nominated or not, it’s inspiring to see so much talent being recognized. Events like these remind us why we do what we do—to tell compelling stories that resonate and make an impact,” Nabbanja said.
The Ikon Awards, now in their third edition are scheduled to happen on March,29 2025 at Serena Hotel Kampala.