Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang was adjudged ‘Best Actor’ at the second edition of the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA) which took place on October 19 at the Stafford Centre performing Art Theater in Houston Texas, and hosted by Nollywood superstar Ramsey Nouah.
Adjetey, popularly known as ‘Pusher’, a character he played in a hit television series ‘Things We Do For Love’ which shaped his acting career, picked the nod ahead of his South African and Nigerian counterparts with the movie ‘Hunters’.
‘Hunters’ also picked another award on the night, ‘Producer of the Year’ which went to Abdul Salam Mumini, producer and CEO of Venus Films Production.
Prior to the awards, Adjetey said he was proud of himself to be in a category of competent actors on the African continent which included his compatriot Majid Michel (Brother’s Keeper), Kalu Ikeagwu (False), Hlomla Dandala (Contract), O.C Ukeje (Alan Poza) and Yemi Blaq (Bridge of Hope).
He said the actors nominated were great and competent, and each had the chance of winning but luck smiled on him.
The ‘Best Actor’ category was announced by actress Jackie Appiah.
Recollecting the buildup to when he was announced as the winner, Adjetey said when Jackie was called upon as the announcer, he gazed at her carefully as she walked to the stage.
He said her mannerism and countenance didn't make him think that he was going to win the award; instead it showed a serious face.
“A look at Jackie (Appiah) just gives me the indication that, it won't be me because she had this neutral face and she didn't even smile. So I thought that one of my colleagues had won it, but then she goes up there and mentions my name.”
He said when his name was mentioned he “was really surprised and excited at the same time.”
Check the list of full winners
Best Motion Picture - Ninah's Dowry
Best Drama - Finding Mercy
Best Cinematography - Red Hot
Best Comedy - Okon goes to School
Best Costume - Twin Sword
Best New Actress - Mbufung Seikeh - Ninah's Dowry
Best New Actor - Seun Akindele – On Bended Knees
Best Actor - Adjetey Anang - The Hunters
Best Actress - Ireti Doyle - Torn
Best Director - Kunle Afolayan - Phone Swap
Producer of the year - Abdul Salam - The Hunters
Best Supporting Actor - Alex Ekubo - Weekend Getaway
Best Supporting Actress - Kate Henshaw - False
Best Original Screenplay - Desperate House girls
Best Sound - Last Flight to Abuja
Best Original Soundtrack - Mrs. Somebody
Best Film Diaspora - Still Standing
Best Film Director - Diaspora - Desmond Elliot and Bethels Agomuoh - Unguarded
Best Actor (Viewer’s Choice) - Mike Ezuruonye
Best Actress (Viewer’s Choice) - Ini Edo
Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award - Richard Mofe-Damijo
Honorary Directing Achievement Award - Lancelot Imasuen
