Every year, Nollywood introduces new faces and reinforces familiar ones. But 2025 stood out for a different reason: consistency.
Across cinemas, streaming platforms, stage productions, and independent projects, a number of actors, filmmakers, and creatives quietly built momentum through repeated appearances, stronger performances, and deliberate career choices.
Some delivered standout performances in films that travelled beyond local audiences. Others expanded their practice into directing, producing, or writing, reflecting an industry that continues to broaden its creative scope. Rather than predictions or hype, this list reflects visible contribution, the people whose work shaped conversations, screens, and storytelling over the past year.
Compiled by The Nollywood Reporter, these are the talents whose presence defined Nollywood in 2025.
Ruby Akubueze
Ruby Akubueze continued to expand her creative range in 2025, balancing acting with filmmaking and music. Already recognised internationally for her short film Rehearsal, she reached a new milestone this year by winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Young/Promising Actor for her performance in 3 Cold Dishes. Her screen credits, including Ijogbon, Baby Farm, and Kpapangolo, reinforced her versatility and staying power.
Mallum Arik
With performances in Lowkey Adults, The Presidency, Laraba and Balarabe, and Purgatory, Mallum Arik built a steady on-screen presence in 2025. His roles sparked social media conversations, particularly on X, positioning him as an actor audiences increasingly recognise and respond to.
Daniel Adeshina
Daniel Adeshina’s breakout performance as Asiko in Telephone marked a turning point in his career. Moving beyond minor roles, his work this year demonstrated emotional range and maturity, earning attention from both audiences and critics.
Uzoamaka Power
Uzoamaka Power’s 2025 was defined by global visibility and creative expansion. Her performance in Mami Wata and appearance in My Father’s Shadow, Nigeria’s first film selected for Cannes’ Official Competition reflected her growing international profile. Alongside acting, her directorial projects (Love Language, My Body God’s Temple, Siraam) affirmed her commitment to storytelling behind the camera.
Kanaga Jnr
Transitioning from reality television into film, Kanaga Jnr continued to build credibility as an actor. His performances in Ms Kanyin, Ajosepo, Something About The Briggs, and Summer Rain reflected a deliberate shift toward character-driven roles.
Omeche Oko
Omeche Oko maintained consistent visibility across independent films and digital platforms. Known for her work in The Safe House and Koma, she remains a familiar presence on Nollytube, steadily carving out space through varied performances.
Michael Dappa
Michael Dappa’s work in Kill Boro, Street Blues, and Love Can Be Messy established him as one of the year’s most reliable young performers. His ability to navigate both drama and comedy contributed to his growing appeal, supported by additional roles in It Blooms in June and The Counsellor.
Ejiro Onojaife
Ejiro Onojaife’s momentum continued in 2025 with appearances in Behind the Scenes, Family Brouhaha, Blind Date, and Domitila. A graduate of EbonyLife Creative Academy, her performances reflected increasing confidence and range, reinforcing her place among Nollywood’s emerging talents.
Allison Precious Emmanuel
Allison Precious Emmanuel stood out for his work behind the camera. His debut feature The Boy Who Gave earned triple nominations at AFRIFF, while his broader filmography (Hijack ’93, Masquerades of Aniedo) and industry recognition positioned him as a filmmaker to watch closely.
Osareme Inegbenebor
With performances in Baby Farm, Who Lived at Number 6, and Lockdown, Osareme Inegbenebor continued to demonstrate emotional depth across genres. Her work reflects a growing commitment to character-driven storytelling.
Tinuade Jemiseye
A familiar face on Nollytube, Tinuade Jemiseye sustained visibility through multiple film appearances in 2025, including Love In Every Word and Omera. She is also set to appear in Lady, scheduled for release next year.
Myde Glover
Myde Glover balanced acting and directing this year, earning recognition at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Everything Light Touches, which he directed. His work across A Danfo Christmas, Slum King, and We Are Good People reflects a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling.
Ekama Etim Inyang
Ekama Etim Inyang strengthened her screen presence through roles in Street Blues, Love Under Repair, and The Silver Lining. Her critically acclaimed stage play Mutanda Oyom Nnamondo further demonstrated her range across mediums.
Adeoluwa Akintoba
Adeoluwa Akintoba’s performances in Makemation, Lowkey Adults, and The Artifact reflected steady growth following earlier recognition from The Prophetess and Sista. His trajectory in 2025 suggested a focus on longevity rather than speed.
Detola Jones
Detola Jones continued to blend acting, music, and performance with appearances in Almost Perfect, Better Half, and Love Lockdown. Her screen presence and versatility remained central to her appeal.
Onyinye Odokoro
Onyinye Odokoro expanded her Nollywood footprint through roles in Baby Farm, Princess on a Hill, and Phoenix Fury. Her transition into professional acting following a background in nursing added a distinctive dimension to her journey.
Ogranya Jable Osai
Known primarily for his music, Ogranya Jable Osai crossed into film with his debut in Something Sweet. His move into Nollywood reflected the increasing overlap between music and screen storytelling.
Martha Ehinome
Martha Ehinome balanced acting with technical and creative work behind the scenes. Her performances in Wura and The Origin: Madam Koikoi complemented her broader practice as a cinematographer and visual storyteller.
As Nollywood moves toward a new year, these creatives represent more than momentum, they reflect an industry in motion.