The categories of African excellence.

Best Picture / Best Film

The highest honour for an outstanding African film of the cycle.

Best Director

Recognises exceptional directorial vision and execution.

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Recognises an outstanding leading performance by an actor.

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Recognises an outstanding leading performance by an actress.

Best Supporting Actor

Recognises an outstanding supporting performance by an actor.

Best Supporting Actress

Recognises an outstanding supporting performance by an actress.

Best Screenplay

Recognises excellence in screenwriting.

Best Cinematography

Recognises outstanding visual storytelling through the camera.

Best Editing

Recognises excellence in film editing.

Best Sound Design

Recognises outstanding sound design and mixing.

Best Costume Design

Recognises costume design that strengthens character, period and cultural identity.

Best Production Design

Recognises outstanding production design and art direction.

Best Story

Recognises the strength and originality of the underlying story.

Best New Talent

Recognises a breakthrough creative talent.

Discovery Talent of the Year

Celebrates a newly discovered talent whose work signals Africa's creative future.

Best Indigenous Language Film

Celebrates excellence in a film made primarily in an African indigenous language.

Lifetime Achievement

Honours a lifetime of distinguished contribution to African creative industries.

Special Recognition Awards

Special recognitions approved by the authorised Golden Arc Honors governance structure.