The Ikon Awards 2025 nominations are out. Media personality Ethan Kavuma and actress Catherine Namugenyi hosted the announcement last Friday in a grand ceremony.
This year, the competition is tougher, with each of the 22 categories expanding from four to five nominees to give more recognition to Uganda’s top film and TV talent.
For Best Film, the nominees are Soccer Heart (Kevin Johns Nabukenya), Maria (Nana Kagga), Karamoja (Eleanor Nabwiso), Makula (Nisha Kalema), and The Lions of Buganda (Jerry Sesanga).
The Best Director category brings a mix of veterans and fresh talent, with Richard Mulindwa (Half Life), Nisha Kalema & Dan Mugisha (Makula), Kevin Johns Nabukenya (Soccer Heart), Nana Kagga (Maria), and Jerry Sesanga (The Lions of Buganda) making the cut.
In acting, Rehema Nakitto (Not a Wife), Joana Nabakiibi (Omukululo), Nisha Kalema (Makula), Pelly Peninah Nampanga (Maria), and Hasifah Nakitende (Present Past) will battle for Best Actress. The Best Actor category features Isaac Khaweka (At the Crossroads), Prince Joe Nakibinge (Omukululo), John Mary Ssekimpi (Present Past), Issa Yusuf Massade (Soccer Heart), and Edris Lubega (Half Life).
Supporting role nominees include Raymond Rushabiro (Soccer Heart), Felix Bwanika Baale (Ssekukkulu), Muhmood Zamunyo (Maria), Housen Mushema (Makula), and Edson Keith Abitegeka (Ssekukkulu) for Best Supporting Actor. The Best Supporting Actress category features Milka Irene (Not a Wife), Eleanor Nabwiso (Karamoja), Nakayo Veronica (Christmas Together), Joanitta Bewulira Wandera (Makula), and Nana Kagga (Maria).
Technical categories are packed with Makula, Maria, Karamoja, and The Lions of Buganda competing in cinematography, editing, sound design, and production design.
For TV, the Best Series nominees are Crossroads (Ayenya T. Steve), Beloved (Nathan Magoola), Damalie (Doreen Mirembe), JDC (Allan Manzi), and Sanyu (Mathew Nabwiso). Diana Nabatanzi (JDC), Doreen Mirembe (Damalie), Hellen Lukoma (Beloved), Nicole Estella (Crossroads), and Nana Kagga (Damalie) are up for Best Actress in a TV Series. Best Actor nominees include Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga (Sanyu), Dennis Kinani (Damalie), Derrick Baka (Beloved), Emmanuel Atuhaire (Crossroads), and Moses Jr. Kiboneka (JDC).
The Ikon Rising Star category highlights upcoming actors Arthur William Sewanyana, Tyra Abok, Ethan Mwesigwa, Iradukunda Rebecca Hope, and Barack Balaba.
For short films, Boy No Fear (Jonathan Curtiss), Estranged (Sharifu Kisambira), Jimbi (Ivan Tusabe), Jua Kali (Nersky Nurudeen Ssemwogererere), and Staple (Isaac Bbuye) are in the running. Best Documentary nominees are Charcoal and Courage, Ghetto Fist, The History of Film in Uganda, Ghetto Mama, and The Royal Summit.
This year introduces four new categories: Best Emerging Film, Lifetime Achievement Award, African Ikon of the Year, and the African Rising Star Award.
The awards, now in their third edition, will be held on March 29, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.
