The National Film and Video Censors Board congratulated actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on the success of her latest film, Behind The Scene, which has earned over N2.4 billion in Nigerian cinemas.
In a statement on Tuesday, Executive Director Shaibu Husseini called this achievement another landmark for Nigerian cinema, noting that Funke has delivered record-breaking performances for four years in a row.
“This level of consistency shows not only creative excellence but also a strong understanding of audience engagement and the changing landscape of film production, distribution, and exhibition in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Board restated its role as the official body that regulates film content, distribution, and exhibition in Nigeria. It also said it is committed to recognising achievements that help the industry grow, gain visibility, and remain commercially strong.
To honor her box office success, the NFVCB announced plans to give Funke a Box Office Queen Award for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The awards will be presented at a later date.
‘We had planned to hand the awards for her ack to back performance during the last PAO Digital Conference but the filmmaker was busy and asked to receive the awards at a later day. With this feat, we will get the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa and a few top female executives to join us to make the presentation. The Minister is excited about the development’ Husseini said.
Funke has remained a dominant figure at the Nigerian box office in recent years, with films like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Tribe Called Judah earning historic amounts.Filmmaker Toyin Abraham, on the box office success of her directorial debut, Oversabi Aunty, which has grossed over N1 billion in cinemas nationwide.
The Board called this achievement historic, noting that the film is among the four highest-grossing Nollywood films ever and marks a strong start for Toyin as a director.
According to the statement, the success of Oversabi Aunty shows her versatility and growing influence in the industry.
“We at the NFVCB congratulate both filmmakers on their achievements. We see their success as a sign of the industry’s ongoing growth, resilience, and global potential,” the Executive Director concluded.
