From delivering amazing performances to earning accolades, these actors have made their mark, proving that Nollywood isn’t just Africa’s pride but a global force to reckon with.
Picking a “Top 10” in a year teeming with talent wasn’t easy.
We’ve seen veterans returning to remind us why they’re legends, rising stars proving they’re here to stay, and everyone in between pushing boundaries and redefining storytelling.
Whether it’s the emotional depths of drama, the nail-biting tension of thrillers, or the laugh-out-loud moments of comedies, these men have shown us the magic of acting.
Here is the list of Nollywood’s top 10 actors this year.
READ ALSO: Pulse List: Top 10 Nollywood cinema releases of the year
Femi Adebayo
Adebayo began acting in 1985, the same year he featured in his father’s first movie titled Ogun Ajaye.
Adebayo has starred in over 500 Nigerian films, winning four awards as Best Yoruba Actor at the 17th African Film Awards popularly known as Afro Hollywood Awards at the Stratford Town Hall in London.
In 2022, Femi Adebayo was nominated for Best Actor in A Comedy (AMVCA).
This year, his film Jagun Jagun won Best Indigenous Language Movie – West Africa at the AMVCA. He also won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at this year’s Africa Movie Academy Award.
His recent work is the Netflix series, Seven Doors. He has also been featured in other films this year including House of Ga’a, Crossroads, Lakatabu, Queen Lateefah, and Beast of Two Worlds.
Taye Arimoro
Arimoro is a fast-rising star known for his roles in movies like Criminal, Casa de Novia, and the Ndani TV web series Game On.
In 2024, he appeared in a lot of film projects including When Loves Strikes, Freedom Way, A Night in 2005, and Roses and Ivy.
Tobi Bakre
Bakre’s introduction happened after he participated in the Big Brother Naija, season 3 reality TV show in 2018.
He has been featured in Nollywood hits including Gangs of Lagos, Brotherhood and just recently, Farmer’s Bride.
Gideon Okeke
Gideon landed his first lead role in the Nigerian drama film Relentless in 2010.
His second lead role was in the 2014 crime thriller A Place in the Stars.
In the same year, he played the role of Tobena, the love interest of the lead character in the romantic comedy, When Love Happens.
Other films to his credit include the caper crime comedy, Gbomo Gbomo Express and the Ghanaian romantic drama, Anniversary.
In 2016, he was cast in the drama thriller 93 Days. Starring alongside Danny Glover, Gideon received an AMVCA nomination for his portrayal of Dr Morris Ibeawuchi, one of the surviving doctors of the Nigerian Ebola crisis. His recent film is the Netflix original, Tokunbo.
Lateef Adedimeji
He gained popularity with his first major role in Yewande Adekoya‘s 2013 movie titled Kudi Klepto and has acted in over 100 Nigerian movies.
He has been featured in several movies this year including Hotel Labamba, Anikulapo (Rise of Spectre), House of Ga’a, Lisabi: The Uprising, Queen Lateefah, The Beads, Lakatabu, Crossroads, Beast of Two Worlds, The Notebook and Wole Soyinka: Eni Ogun.
Bucci Franklin
Franklin is a seasoned Nollywood actor with several films to his credit including The One for Sarah, Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story, The Razz Guy, and Kofa.
This year, he has been featured in Muri and Ko, Daniel Oriahi’s The Weekend, and AY’s newest feature, The Waiter.
Uzor Arukwe
Arukwe made his Nollywood debut in 2014 in the movie Unspoken Truth but gained recognition for his role in Sergeant Tutu.
His role as a private investigator in the 2019 movie, Code Wilo also earned him more recognition.
He received two nominations for ‘Best Actor in Comedy or Movie’ at the 2020 African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for his roles in Smash and Size 12 respectively and a nomination for ‘Best Actor’ at the 2021 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in Yours Regardless.
This year, he has been featured in several movies including What About Us?, On the Edge, The Chef, Wedding Night Blues, House Arrest, Oma’s Truth, On the Edge, and Just the Two of Us.
Mercy Aigbe’s latest feature, Thin Line, is his most recent movie.
Mike Afolarin
Not only is he an actor but also a photographer. In 2013, Afolarin had his first experience with acting in a stage play, Magic Time.
Shortly after, he gained attention with his lead role as Ishaya, in the Netflix series, Far From Home.
He subsequently featured in Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde’s Battle on Buka Street in 2022. He also starred in Kasala, Adire, House of Ga’a, and Your Excellency.
Chimezie Imo
This list wouldn’t be complete without Chimezie Imo, winner Trailblazer Award, AMVCA 2024.
Chimezie takes the cake when it comes to emotional depth. If he cries, I bet you’d struggle to hold back teardrops trying to hustle their way out of your eyes.
Some of his roles and movies include Nimbe where he plays the titular role, and Breath of Life where he plays Elijah.
His role in Breath of Life won him the Trailblazer Award at the recent Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award.
Other works are Kasala, MTV Shuga, and Choke. His most recent movies are Everybody Loves Jenifa, and Alakada: Bad and Boujee.
Kunle Remi
Remi started acting professionally in 2011, after winning Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010.
His first on-screen appearance was in the 2012 film, Heavy Beauty.
In 2014, he began performing stunts in Kpains: The Forest of Souls.
He spent 2015 landing roles in the short films Sister’s Keeper, Sting, and Hex, and being cast in the television series The Getaway, where he played Oliseh.
He then played roles in Out of Luck, Deluded and Mrs. & Mrs. Johnson. His breakthrough role came from Falling, where he played a husband left in a coma after a tragic accident.
His notable works include Muri and Ko, What About Us?, Ruse, Love Notes, the web series, Just Us Girls, Queen Lateefah, Shining Star, and the TV series, Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre.
