The 2025 Ikon Awards nominations are out, and this year’s lineup is bigger than ever. The ceremony, hosted by media personality Ethan Kavuma and actress Catherine Namugenyi, introduced more nominees per category, expanding the competition in Uganda’s film and TV industry.
For Best Film, the nominees are Soccer Heart (Kevin Johns Nabukenya), Maria (Nana Kagga), Karamoja (Eleanor Nabwiso), Makula (Nisha Kalema), and The Lions of Buganda (Jerry Sesanga).
Best Director is a tight race with Richard Mulindwa (Half Life), Nisha Kalema and Dan Mugisha (Makula), Kevin Johns Nabukenya (Soccer Heart), Nana Kagga (Maria), and Jerry Sesanga (The Lions of Buganda).
The acting categories are packed with talent. In Best Actress, Rehema Nakitto (Not a Wife), Joana Nabakiibi (Omukululo), Nisha Kalema (Makula), Pelly Peninah Nampanga (Maria), and Hasifah Nakitende (Present Past) are all in the running. Best Actor nominees include Isaac Khaweka (At the Crossroads), Prince Joe Nakibinge (Omukululo), John Mary Ssekimpi (Present Past), Issa Yusuf Massade (Soccer Heart), and Edris Lubega (Half Life).
Supporting roles see Raymond Rushabiro (Soccer Heart), Felix Bwanika Baale (Ssekukkulu), Muhmood Zamunyo (Maria), Housen Mushema (Makula), and Edson Keith Abitegeka (Ssekukkulu) competing for Best Supporting Actor. On the women’s side, Milka Irene (Not a Wife), Eleanor Nabwiso (Karamoja), Nakayo Veronica (Christmas Together), Joanitta Bewulira Wandera (Makula), and Nana Kagga (Maria) are up for Best Supporting Actress.
The technical categories highlight Makula, Maria, Karamoja, and The Lions of Buganda, which have all earned nominations in cinematography, editing, sound design, and production design.
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TV also has a strong presence this year. The Best TV Series category includes Crossroads (Ayenya T. Steve), Beloved (Nathan Magoola), Damalie (Doreen Mirembe), JDC (Allan Manzi), and Sanyu (Mathew Nabwiso). Best Actress in a TV Series nominees are Diana Nabatanzi (JDC), Doreen Mirembe (Damalie), Hellen Lukoma (Beloved), Nicole Estella (Crossroads), and Nana Kagga (Damalie). Meanwhile, Best Actor sees Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga (Sanyu), Dennis Kinani (Damalie), Derrick Baka (Beloved), Emmanuel Atuhaire (Crossroads), and Moses Jr. Kiboneka (JDC) battling it out.
The Ikon Rising Star category, which spotlights emerging actors, includes Arthur William Sewanyana, Tyra Abok, Ethan Mwesigwa, Iradukunda Rebecca Hope, and Barack Balaba.
Best Short Film nominees are Boy No Fear (Jonathan Curtiss), Estranged (Sharifu Kisambira), Jimbi (Ivan Tusabe), Jua Kali (Nersky Nurudeen Ssemwogererere), and Staple (Isaac Bbuye). The Best Documentary category features Charcoal and Courage, Ghetto Fist, The History of Film in Uganda, Ghetto Mama, and The Royal Summit.
This year, four new categories have been added: Best Emerging Film, Lifetime Achievement Award, African Ikon of the Year, and African Rising Star Award.
The Ikon Awards, now in their third edition, will take place on March 29, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.
