Since 2013, Cross River Movie Awards (CRMA) has been convened yearly in Calabar by Mr. Eric Anderson, a former  chairman of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Cross River, he is as an actor and at the same time the Special Assistant to Cross River Government on Tourism Development. CRMA has consistently maintained its pitch as foremost state movie award across the African continent. On Sunday 11th December, 2016 the event came alive again.

 The 2016 edition of CRMA had several remarkable innovations in place that may eventually change the scope and nature of award shows in general. The day started with a brief tour of the serene city of Calabar by the guests and award recipients led by their amiable host Mr Eric Anderson. At exactly 2pm the Dry Run for the 2016 Calabar Carnival Commenced along all major streets of the city to the cheer and excitement of everyone present.

While the Pre-Carnival Activities were still in full gear, information came in that Segun Arinze, Mosses Amstrong and the rest of the expected Nollywood Veterans had arrived. Everyone the moved on to the Transcorp Hotel to welcome them and exchange warm greetings and photo opps.

The hours came rushing by and before anyone noticed, it was time for the red carpet and the main event.

It was such a wonderful experience as popular old and new stars of Nollywood such as Segun Arinze, Fred Amata, KP Ekpenyong, Shan George, Nonso Diobi, Bimbo Akintola, Moses Amstrong, Bishop Imeh, Gloria Hanson, Sedater Savior, Saheed Apanpa, and several other film makers in Nigeria made efforts to be physically present and enjoy  the event just like the previous 3 editions. 

This time, on like previous editions, CRMA recorded an influx of a shortlist of 45 films, while 100 film makers were nominated in 20 mouthwatering award categories. While four honourary awards were rolled out to Fred Amata, Bimbo Akintola and Segun Arinze.
The just conclude much talked about movie award ceremony, which took place at Transcorp Hotel Calabar recently, saw Desmond Eliot, among others carting home ‘Best Director’ in a movie titled ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door.’

Other film practitioners who one awards at CRMA for the same film include Emem Isong and Ini Edo as ‘Best Producer,’ Majid Michel as ‘Best English Act (Male); Best Female Act (English) went to Adesua Etomi; while Jacob David and Eleazu Shola converted ‘Best Lighting.’
On the other hand, Nice time Bassey Bassey in movie title ‘Ikpong Eyen’ clinched Best Supporting Female Act Indigenous; Emma Etokudo in ‘Okuk Nd’ went home with Best Supporting Male Act (Indigenous); Best Female Act Indigenous went to Sheyi Ashenkun for the role she played in ‘Dada Onipaki;’ and Olaide Almooruf won Best Best Male Act indigenous for his role in the same film.
Furthermore, Clarion Chukwura was adjudged Best Supporting Female Act English for her role in ‘Apaye’; Ken Chukwu in movie titled ‘Juju’ took home Best Supporting Male Act English.
Sophire Obi for the movie ‘The Storm’ was adjudged the Best Screenplay; while Ogonna Julius Uba carted home two awards as Best Makeup Artist and Best Costume, still for ‘The Storm.’ While Onaji Onchie and Chuks Madu Success went for Best Special Effects and Best Editing in the same movie.

For Best Cinematographer, Sjay Ephraim for movie titled ‘All for the money’ slayed it. And Kay C. Joy for ‘The Confessor’ went home with Short Film category. Also, CRMA rolled out merit awards to Segun Arinze, Fred Amata and Bimbo Akintola.

 The Amiable D.G of Callywood: Egor Effiok was also present at the event and had opportunity to make a grand speech in which she encouraged movie producers and actors to always take advantage of the vast and abundant natural landscapes of Cross River State as their preferred movie location. She also analyzed the aims and objectives of the Cross River State Government in setting up Callywood.

The event also featured exciting musical performances, comedy acts and violin rendition by a child was barely 8 years old in appearance.

See more exciting photos of the entire day and night activities of CRMA 2016: