When it comes to creative, relatable, and successful storytelling, these Nollywood’s actors and actresses remain a primary reason for the industry’s popularity among Nigerians.
Nollywood actors and actresses have gained international popularity, leading to streaming on international platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
These stars shine on and off screen and have massive support and popularity. 
1. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele’s stardom rose with the 2008 blockbuster ‘Jenifa’. The comedy-drama, which followed the life of a village girl navigating city life, earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role while also becoming a cultural touchstone. Jenifa’s slang was quoted by Nigerians of all generations, cementing the character’s place in popular culture.
Funke Akindele has won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) five times, all in the Best Actress in a Comedy category, including consecutive wins in 2016 and 2017 for the popular TV series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, making her the Nigerian actress with the most AMVCA wins.
She is also called “Queen of Box Office” currently holds the record for the top three highest-grossing Nollywood movies with ‘Behind The Scenes’, released in 2025, grossing ₦2,755,489,396, Everybody Loves Jenifer, released in 2024, grossed ₦1,882,553,548, and A Tribe Called Judah, released in 2023, grossed ₦1,408,227,541.
‘Behind The Scenes’ is set for its international release on Netflix in April 2026.
2. Odunlade Adekola
Odunlade Adekola draws his ability to play any character convincingly, and to connect with both local and global audiences, from deep Yoruba storytelling traditions. His consistent presence in the movie industry for decades has kept him relevant in Nollywood.
Odunlade Adekola’s success in Nollywood stems from his unique ability to combine comedy, emotion, and cultural authenticity while consistently producing indigenous films that appeal to millions of Nigerians and beyond.
He won the award for Best Supporting Actor in 2022, for his role in the movie ‘Jankariwo’.
3.Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham is an unstoppable force in Nigeria’s film industry. She is an acclaimed actress, savvy filmmaker, and successful entrepreneur who has built a legacy based on authenticity, hard work, and an incredible ability to connect with audiences across genres.
Toyin’s journey from her early days in Yoruba cinema to her current status as a box-office superstar exemplifies transformation and unwavering passion.
She has a proven track record of box office success, including ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’ (2024), which grossed ₦500 million in 15 weeks.
FilmOne Entertainment, the movie distributor, announced that Toyin Abraham’s movie ‘Oversabi Aunty; makes the first Nollywood directorial debut to hit ₦1 billion. It is also the fourth-highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time in West Africa.
She won Best Actress at the 2020 AMVCA for her role in the film ‘Elevator Baby’.
4. Deyemi Okanlawon
Deyemi Okanlawon is a Nigerian film, television, theatre, and voice actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series ‘Gidi Up’ and ‘An African City’, as well as appearances in movies.
He is known for his roles in the ‘Omo Ghetto. The Saga’, ‘Blood Sisters’, and ‘King of Boys: Return of the King’.
His roles in these and other films demonstrate his versatility in the comedy, drama, and thriller genres. ‘The Waiter,’ ‘Brotherhood’, ‘The Herd’, ‘Your Excellency’, and ‘Prophetess.’
He has produced films for the cinema, including ‘All’s Fair in Love’ and ‘3 Working Days’. He has not won an AMVCA though he was nominated in 2022.
SEE ALSO: Funke Akindele vs. Kunle Afolayan: Should Filmakers Dance to Sells Movies?
5. Timini Egbuson
Timini Egbuson is a popular and talented Nollywood actor known for his charm, versatility, and outstanding performances. He has established himself as a leading man in Nigeria’s film industry, appearing in everything from TV shows to blockbusters.
Timini rose to prominence after starring as Tobi in the popular TV series ‘MTV Shuga’. The show centred on youth issues such as HIV awareness and relationships, which made him a fan favourite.
Timini has appeared in numerous hit films and television shows, including ‘Elevator Baby’ which gave him his first and only AMVCA, ‘Sugar Rush’, and ‘A Tribe Called Judah’. He has also produced films, including his most recent project, ‘Love and New Notes’.
6. Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye‘s comedic timing and ability to transition seamlessly into dramatic roles have cemented her place as one of Nollywood’s leading ladies since her debut movie, ‘It’s About Your Husband’ in 2015 and she has since captivated audiences with hits such as ‘Sugar Rush’, ‘Breaded Life’, ‘Fate of Alakada’, ‘Selina’, and ‘Battle on Buka Street’. She is also regarded as one of the best YouTube producers in Nigeria.
Bimbo won the Best Actress award at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her role in the film ‘Selina’.
7. Mercy Aigbe
Mercy’s first notable exposure came from soap operas, particularly the highly popular ‘Papa Ajasco’, which was well-liked by audiences across Nigeria. Her Nollywood breakthrough came in 2006, with the Yoruba-language film ‘Ara’.
This performance served as a springboard for her acting career, attracting significant attention.
Mercy Aigbe has appeared in over 150 films, including Yoruba- and English-language Nollywood productions. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters has earned her a place among the industry’s most respected actresses.
Mercy Aigbe won Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 AMVCA for her standout performance in ‘Farmer’s Bride’, which demonstrated both her emotional range and commanding on-screen presence. She produced films such as ‘Ada Omo Daddy’ and ‘Thinline’.
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