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Nollywood continues to introduce fresh talent, with a new generation of performers gradually earning recognition through cinema releases, streaming productions and digital films.
While established stars continue to dominate the industry, several emerging actors are attracting attention through their performances, growing filmographies and industry recognition.
The 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards nominations have brought some of these performers into the spotlight, particularly in the Most Promising Actor and Most Promising Actress categories.
Here are seven rising Nollywood actors worth watching in 2026.
1. MICHAEL DAPPA
Michael Dappa is one of the young actors building a name in Nollywood through romantic dramas, thrillers and other film productions.
His screen credits include Kill Boro, Perfect Lie and Alive Till Dawn. His performance in Day and Night earned him a nomination for Most Promising Actor at the 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards.
The nomination is an important recognition of his recent work and places him among the emerging male performers attracting industry attention.
With more projects adding to his filmography, Dappa is a name to watch as he continues developing his career.
2. VINE OLUGU
Vine Olugu is another emerging actor attracting attention through his recent film appearances.
He received a 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards nomination for Most Promising Actor for his performance in Everything Is New Again. He was also nominated in the Best Kiss category alongside Mercy Aigbe for their on-screen pairing in the film.
The recognition has increased his visibility and introduced his work to a wider audience.
As his career develops, audiences will be watching to see the range of characters he takes on in future productions.
3. ABBA ALI ZAKY
Abba Ali Zaky is an actor whose performance in The Herd brought him into the 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards conversation.
The film, directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong, explores kidnapping, insecurity and the experiences of people caught in a dangerous situation.
Zaky received nominations for both Most Promising Actor and Best Supporting Actor for his work in the production.
His appearance in two acting categories is a notable achievement and makes him one of the emerging performers worth following.
He also has screen credits in productions such as Voiceless and Hussaini, reflecting his work across different Nigerian film productions.
4. ANGEL ANOSIKE
Angel Anosike is among the emerging actresses gaining recognition in Nollywood.
Her performance in Aba Blues earned her a nomination for Most Promising Actress at the 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards.
She also received recognition in the Best Kiss category alongside Jide Kene Achufusi for their on-screen pairing in the film.
The nominations give her career additional visibility and place her among the actresses attracting attention from industry observers.
Her future projects will provide an opportunity to demonstrate her versatility and take on more challenging roles.
5. MALLUM ARIK
Mallum Arik is an emerging actor whose recent performances have helped establish his name among Nollywood's new generation.
He gained wider attention through his role in the 2025 film The Presidency and went on to appear in Lowkey Adults and Laraba and Balarabe.
His growing profile has also been strengthened by his announced involvement in Black Book: Old Scores, the continuation of the Black Book film franchise.
Arik's growing screen presence across films and television productions makes him one of the actors to watch as Nollywood continues to introduce new talent.
6. CLINTON JOSHUA EZEWELE
Clinton Joshua Ezewele has built a substantial audience through digital Nollywood productions.
He made his screen debut in When Angels Meet in 2023 and has since accumulated more than 100 film credits, according to a September 2026 report by The Guardian.
His career includes productions such as Treasure in the Sky, My Crazy Rich Girlfriend and A Heart Divided.
Ezewele has also established Clinton Joshua Film Limited, taking an additional step into the business side of filmmaking.
His growing audience and move towards theatrical cinema productions make him an interesting figure in Nollywood's evolving entertainment landscape.
7. OSAS OKONYON
Osas Okonyon is one of the young actresses attracting attention through her recent film performances.
She gained recognition through her appearances in Makemation and The Heirloom, both released in 2025.
She was subsequently announced as the lead actress in Evi, a Nigerian film project scheduled for release in 2026.
Her growing filmography and increasing visibility make her one of the emerging female performers worth following.
As she takes on more prominent roles, audiences will have an opportunity to see how she develops her screen presence and acting range.
WHY THESE ACTORS ARE WORTH WATCHING
The next generation of Nollywood talent is emerging through different routes. Some performers are gaining recognition through cinema productions, others are building audiences through digital films, while several are attracting attention through award nominations and industry recognition.
The 2026 Best of Nollywood Awards nominations provide one measurable indication of this development. Michael Dappa, Vine Olugu and Abba Ali Zaky are among the nominees for Most Promising Actor, while Angel Anosike is nominated for Most Promising Actress.
Meanwhile, actors such as Mallum Arik, Clinton Joshua Ezewele and Osas Okonyon are building their profiles through recent productions and expanding opportunities.
Their careers are at different stages, but they represent some of the emerging talent contributing to Nollywood's changing screen landscape.
As the industry continues to expand across cinemas, streaming platforms and digital distribution, these are seven names worth keeping on the radar in 2026.
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