The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has applauded popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele on the outstanding performance of her latest film, Behind The Scene (BTS), which has earned over ₦2.4 billion at the box office and still enjoying strong cinema showing across the nation.
Describing the achievement as another landmark moment in the growth of Nigerian cinema, the NFVCB noted that the record further reinforces Funke Akindele’s position as one of the most influential and commercially successful figures in the industry.
Shaibu Husseini, NFVCB’s Executive Director/CEO, highlighted the significance of the filmmaker’s sustained box office dominance and emphasised her record-shattering cinema performances for four consecutive years.
“This level of consistency reflects not only creative excellence, but also a deep understanding of audience engagement and the evolving dynamics of film production, distribution and exhibition in Nigeria,” he said.
In recognition of Funke Akindele’s exceptional run, Husseini revealed plans to formally honour her with the Box Office Queen Award for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, with arrangements underway to present the award at a date and time that will be mutually convenient for her and her team. ‘We had planned to present the awards for her back 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,’ he stated.
In a related development, the NFVCB has also congratulated actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham on the exceptional box office success of her directorial debut, Oversabi Auntie, which has grossed over ₦1 billion in cinemas nationwide.
The Board described the feat as historic, noting that the film’s performance places it among the four highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time, while also marking a successful and impressive entry by Abraham into film directing.
According to Husseini, the success of Oversabi Auntie underscores Toyin Abraham’s versatility and growing creative influence, as well as the expanding possibilities for filmmakers who are redefining storytelling and audience connection in contemporary Nollywood.
“We at the NFVCB congratulate both filmmakers on their respective milestones. We consider their achievements as strong indicators of the industry’s continued growth, resilience and global promise,” he stated.