Genevieve Nnaji has been honoured at the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema Gala held during the Cannes Film Festival at the Hotel du Cap.
The recognition celebrates her contributions to African cinema and Nollywood’s growing global presence.
The annual initiative highlights women filmmakers, actors and industry executives from Africa, Asia and the Arab world for their work in film and entertainment.
Nnaji was among three African filmmakers recognised this year, alongside Moroccan director Laïla Marrakchi and Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo. The edition marked the first time three African honourees were included in a single year.
Other recipients included Indian actress Tara Sutaria, Indonesian filmmaker Kamila Andani and Saudi actress-writer Aixa Kay.
Nnaji, regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, made her directorial debut with Lionheart, the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix and Nigeria’s official submission for the Academy Awards.
Beyond acting, she has built a career spanning production and directing, with a focus on expanding the global visibility of African storytelling.
