# 3rd iKON Awards

The 3rd Ikon Awards ceremony, presented by the Ikon Inspire Foundation, honored Ugandan films released from 2023 and 2024, and will take place at the Kampala Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, on March 29, 2025.

## Schedule

| Date | Event |
| Friday, January 31, 2025 | Nominations announcement |
| February, 2025 | Nominees luncheon |
| Saturday, March 29, 2025 | IKON Awards |

## Nominees and Winners

The nominations were announced by television stars Ethan Kavuma and Catherine Namugenyi on January 31, 2025. One of the key highlights of this year’s awards, hosted live Friday on the Ikon Awards Youtube Page, was the expansion of the nominee slots in each of the 22 competitive categories from four to five, offering greater recognition for outstanding talent.
“What makes this year’s Ikon Awards special is that we have expanded the number of nominees, creating more room to celebrate exceptional work. This time, we are stronger than ever in championing inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices in the film and television industry,” said Usama Mukwaya, Ikon Awards Producer.

## Awards

| Best Film | Best Director |
| Soccer Heart, Kevin Johns Nabukenya Maria, Nana Kagga Karamoja, Eleanor Nabwiso Makula, Nisha Kalema The Lions of Buganda, Sesanga Jerry | Richard Mulindwa, Half Life Nisha Kalema and Dan Mugisha, Makula Kevin Johns Nabukenya, Soccer Heart Nana Kagga, Maria Sesanga Jerry, The Lions Of Buganda |
| Best Actor | Best Actress |
| Isaac Khaweka, At the Crossroads Prince Joe Nakibinge, Omukululo Ssekimpi John Mary, Present Past Issa Massade Yusuf, Soccer Heart Lubega Edris, Half Life | Rehema Nakitto (Ray P), Not A Wife Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Omukululo Nisha Kalema, Makula Pelly Peninah Nampanga, Maria Hasifah Nakitende, Present Past |
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Best Actress in a Supporting Role |
| Raymond Rushabiro, Soccer Heart Bwanika Baale Felix, Ssekukkulu Muhmood Zamunyo, Maria Housen Mushema, Makula Edson Keith Abitegeka, Ssekukkulu | Milka Irene, Not A wife Eleanor Nabwiso, Karamoja Nakayo Veronica, Christmas Together Joanitta Bewulira Wandera, Makula Nana Kagga, Maria |
| Best Screenplay | Ikon Rising Star |
| Nisha Kalema, Makula Nana Kagga, Maria Mary Nyanzi and Eleanor Nabwiso, Christmas Together Kevin Johns Nabukenya, Soccer Heart Josephine Kabahuma and Samuel Savior Kizito, Ssekukkulu | Arthur William Sewanyana Iradukunda Rebecca Hope Barack Babala Tyra Abok Ethan Mwesigwa |
| Best Cinematography | Best Production Design |
| Alex Ireeta, Makula Vincent Odoi, Maria Alex Ireeta, Soccer Heart Izaek Ekuka, Christmas Together Izaek Ekuka, Karamoja | Imran Musabbeh, Makula Nana Kagga, Maria Imran Musabbeh, Soccer Heart Mulindwa Richard, Half Life Tumusiime Robert Quintes, The Lions of Buganda |
| Best Costume Design | Best Makeup and Special Effects |
| Ali Musinguzi, Dollar Fashionista and Naggayi Patricia, The Lions of Buganda Nantege Joan, Karamoja Nantege Maureen Victoria, Makula Nantege Joan, Soccer Heart Tazibone Solomon, Maria | Kabanywari Maggie, Half Life Nakakande Cynthia, Makula Nantege Joan, Karamoja Nabakiibi Joana Jojo, Latifah Nabatanzi and Rutaro Abell, The Lions of Buganda Nantege Joan, Maria |
| Best Editing | Best Sound |
| Henry Matovu and Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa, Makula Kizito Sudaisy Sebowa, Soccer Heart Marvin Rain Ssentongo, Muhwezi Herbert, The Lions of Buganda Paul Katumwa, Vincent Odoi, Maria Paul Kimera, Karamoja | Isiko Abubaker, Karamoja Jose Arins, Makula Kyobe Sebbowa, Soccer Heart Marvin Rain Ssentongo, The Lions of Buganda Simon Agola, Maria |
| Best Visual Effects | Best Animation Film |
| Patrick Chris Black and Faysal Mukalazi, The Lions of Buganda Lazarus Musungu, Dinner For Three Nsiimbe Isaac Newton, Staple | Fractured Kataleya Kintu Maica Stuck in the Nest |
| Best Actor in a TV Series | Best Actress in a TV Series |
| Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Sanyu Dennis Kinani, Damalie Derrick Baka, Beloved Emmanuel Atuhaire, Crossroads Moses Jr. Kiboneka, JDC | Diana Nabatanzi, JDC Doreen Mirembe, Damalie Hellen Lukoma, Beloved Nicole Estella, Crossroads Nana Kagga, Damalie |
| Best TV Series | Best Documentary |
| Crossroads, by Ayeny T. Steve Beloved, Nathan Magoola Damalie, Doreen Mirembe JDC, Allan Manzi Sanyu, Mathew Nabwiso | Charcoal and Courage Ghetto Fist A History of film in Uganda Ghetto Mama The Royal Summit |
| Best Short Film | Best Student Film |
| Boy No Fear, Jonathan Curtiss Estranged, Sharifu Kisambira Jimbi, Tusabe Ivan Jua Kali, Ssemwogerere Nersky Nurudeen Staple, Isaac Bbuye | Dinner for Three Emunyenye, Brian Mukisa Not my daughter The Boy from Kampala The Chicken Thief |
| Ikon Fellow of the Year | Best Emerging Film |
| TBA | TBA |

### Life Time Achievement Award

* TBA

### African Ikon of the Year

* TBA

### African Rising Star Award

* TBA

## Presenters and performers

TBA