Adire Wins Best Cinematography at 16th BON Awards

Netflix’s gripping drama Adire has clinched the prestigious Best Cinematography award at the 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, solidifying its place as a standout Nollywood production in 2024.

The announcement was made via an Instagram post by the film’s producers and distributors. They expressed gratitude to the team, particularly acknowledging Emmanuel Igbekele Odihiri, the film’s Director of Photography, for his exceptional work. “Another win in the bag! Thank you to the team that made this movie a success! Special shout out to @cinemmaofficial for his work on this film. Thank you to @bon__awards for the recognition. Adire is still showing on Netflix, watch now,” the post read.

A Cinematic Achievement

Odihiri, a seasoned cinematographer, has contributed to several acclaimed Nollywood projects, including Looking for Baami, Soole, Breaded Life, Ajosepo, Japa, and the Netflix series Far From Home. His work on Adire was celebrated for its visual storytelling, bringing depth to the film’s intricate narrative.

Multiple Nominations

Adire had been nominated in four categories: Best Cinematography, Best Actress, Best Costume, and Best Production Design. Released on Netflix on January 13, 2024, the film earned ₦8 million in its opening weekend, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

The Story Behind Adire

The film follows the compelling journey of a young female fashion entrepreneur, portrayed by Kehinde Bankole, as she navigates a haunting past as a sex worker while striving to overcome its lingering consequences. Created and written by Jack’enneth Opukeme, who also acted in the film, Adire was directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy. The cast boasts Nollywood stars such as Femi Branch, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Ibrahim Chatta, Yemi Blaq, Yvonne Jegede, and Lizzy Jay.

BON Awards: Celebrating Nollywood Excellence

Established in 2009, the BON Awards celebrate excellence across more than 30 categories in Nollywood. This year, other notable winners included Jagun Jagun, which took home six awards, including Best Costume, Best Indigenous Film, Best Production Design, and Director of the Year for Femi Adebayo and Bayo Tijani.

A Must-Watch on Netflix

With its captivating story, stellar performances, and award-winning cinematography, Adire continues to captivate viewers on Netflix, adding to the growing recognition of Nollywood’s global impact.