IKON Awards nominees listed

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The Ikon Awards 2025 nominations were unveiled last Friday in a grand ceremony hosted by media personality Ethan Kavuma and actress Catherine Namugenyi.

This year’s edition marks a significant expansion, increasing the nominee slots in each of the 22 competitive categories from four to five, a move aimed at broadening recognition for outstanding talent in Uganda’s film and television industry.

Humphrey Nabimanya CEO of the Ikon Awards delivers akey note address at Ikon Awards Nominations 2025. (Photo by Janan Kisitu)

The contenders for Best Film are Soccer Heart by Kevin Johns Nabukenya, Maria by Nana Kagga, Karamoja by Eleanor Nabwiso, Makula by Nisha Kalema and The Lions of Buganda by Jerry Sesanga.

The Best Director category sees a mix of seasoned and emerging talents, with nominees including Richard Mulindwa (Half Life), Nisha Kalema and Dan Mugisha (Makula), Kevin Johns Nabukenya (Soccer Heart), Nana Kagga (Maria), and Jerry Sesanga (The Lions of Buganda). Their creative direction has significantly shaped the success of their respective films, making this a highly competitive category.

In the acting categories, Best Actress in a Leading Role features Rehema Nakitto (Not a Wife), Joana Nabakiibi (Omukululo), Nisha Kalema (Makula), Pelly Peninah Nampanga (Maria) and Hasifah Nakitende (Present Past).

Ikon Awards nomination hosts Ethan Kavuma and Catherine Namugenyi. (Photo by Janan Kisitu)

Meanwhile, Best Actor in a Leading Role nominees include Isaac Khaweka (At the Crossroads), Prince Joe Nakibinge (Omukululo), John Mary Ssekimpi (Present Past), Issa Yusuf Massade (Soccer Heart) and Edris Lubega (Half Life).

In supporting roles, Raymond Rushabiro (Soccer Heart), Felix Bwanika Baale (Ssekukkulu), Muhmood Zamunyo (Maria), Housen Mushema (Makula) and Edson Keith Abitegeka (Ssekukkulu) are up for Best Supporting Actor, while Milka Irene (Not a Wife), Eleanor Nabwiso (Karamoja), Nakayo Veronica (Christmas Together), Joanitta Bewulira Wandera (Makula), and Nana Kagga (Maria) vie for Best Supporting Actress.

Technical categories also see intense competition, with Makula, Maria, Karamoja, and The Lions of Buganda earning multiple nominations in cinematography, editing, sound design, and production design.

Filmaker Drake Makanga Clay remarks during a discussion at the Ikon Awards nominations 2025. (Photo by Janan Kisitu)

For television, the Best TV Series category boasts strong contenders such as Crossroads (Ayenya T. Steve), Beloved (Nathan Magoola), Damalie (Doreen Mirembe), JDC (Allan Manzi), and Sanyu (Mathew Nabwiso). Best Actress in a TV Series includes Diana Nabatanzi (JDC), Doreen Mirembe (Damalie), Hellen Lukoma (Beloved), Nicole Estella (Crossroads) and Nana Kagga (Damalie), while Best Actor in a TV Series features Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga (Sanyu), Dennis Kinani (Damalie), Derrick Baka (Beloved), Emmanuel Atuhaire (Crossroads) and Moses Jr. Kiboneka (JDC).

In emerging talent, the Ikon Rising Star category highlights promising actors such as Arthur William Sewanyana, Tyra Abok, Ethan Mwesigwa, Iradukunda Rebecca Hope and Barack Balaba.

Filmmakers Doreen Nabbanja and Lucky Lora Atwiine having a converstaion at the Ikon Awards nominations 2025. (Photo by Janan Kisitu)

The Best Short Film nominees include Boy No Fear by Jonathan Curtiss, Estranged by Sharifu Kisambira, Jimbi by Ivan Tusabe, Jua Kali by Nersky Nurudeen Ssemwogererere and Staple by Isaac Bbuye. Meanwhile, the Best Documentary category features Charcoal and Courage, Ghetto Fist, The History of Film in Uganda, Ghetto Mama, and The Royal Summit.

Additionally, the Ikon Executive Committee has introduced four awards 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 take place on March 29, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.