The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) has unveiled the official nominations for its 2026 edition, with Nigerian productions dominating major categories ahead of the festival’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Among the biggest contenders is Nneoma, which emerged as one of the festival’s most nominated titles, earning recognition across production design, costume, performance, and short film categories.
Toka Mcbaror’s The Creek also recorded multiple nominations, including Best Picture Film, Best Nollywood Film, Best African Thriller/Drama, and Best International Director.
Similarly, Son of the Soil, the Nigeria-United Kingdom co-production directed by Chee Keong Cheung, secured nominations across acting, stunt coordination, and Best African Film categories. Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor also received a Best Actress nomination for her role in the film.
Elsewhere, Two Halves earned nominations in Best Narrative Film, Best Nollywood Narrative Film, and Best African Film, while cast members Linda Osifo, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Richard Ayodeji Makun picked up acting nods.
Ny Obah Nana’s Okeoghene also featured prominently with nominations spanning drama, costume, poster, and female filmmaker categories.
Meanwhile, Adeoluwa Owu’s Iwe Ala: An Ojúde Oba Story secured several technical and acting nominations, including Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best African Indigenous Film, and Best Nollywood Narrative Film. Lead performers Owobo Ogunde and Mercy Aigbe also received acting nominations.
Beyond the feature categories, Opeyemi Shittu’s The Rhythm of Ancestors: Yoruba Bata emerged as the sole Nigerian documentary nominee, recognised for its exploration of Yoruba drumming traditions and ancestral performance heritage.
Other Nigerian projects recognised this year include Falling Notes, Evi, Alpha, Day of the Games Night, Blood Vessel, Stand in the Gap, A Visit to Ward 4, Unboxing Love, The Last Friday, and Behind a Lie.
Filmmakers Esse Akwawa, GreatValentine Edochie, Mildred Okwo, and Frederick Leonard also earned directing nominations for their respective projects.
In the acting categories, nominees include Stan Nze, Uzor Arukwe, Blessing Obasi, Lota Chukwu, and several other Nigerian performers across Nollywood and international sections.
Founded in Canada, TINFF has grown into a major platform connecting African, Caribbean, Canadian, and international filmmakers through screenings, networking opportunities, and talent development initiatives.
Winners will be revealed live at the festival’s Closing Gala Awards on September 12, following the jury voting phase.
