Jimmy Jean-Louis stole the show at the 2011 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) when he made an imposing showing like never before in the history of the awards. The Haitian actor was not only nominated for his lead role in ‘Sinking Sands’ but was also a special Hollywood guest of honour for the ceremony, along with American actor Nate Parker. In addition, he also starred in two other nominated films namely, ‘Precipice’ and ‘In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters’.

All three of the films that Jimmy starred in won awards on the night, and each time the winner was announced, Jimmy accompanied him on stage to pick up the award. ‘In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters’ by Rahman Oladigbolu (Nigeria/USA) won Best Film for African Abroad and ‘Precipice’ by Julius Amedume (Ghana/UK) won Best Diaspora Short Film.  Sinking sands won three awards including Best Costume, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Screenplay and since the director of the movie couldn’t attend, Jimmy picked up the awards on her behalf. Therefore, Jimmy got on stage for five times – more than any other person on the night!

The actor comments on his experience at the African answer to the Oscars: “It was a great experience to mix with the African filmmakers. There is a real desire to move forward. The state of Bayelsa showed a lot of dedication to promote the event.”

He adds, “I was very surprised to see that the 3 nominated movies I starred in were all awarded. That justified a lot of what I believe should be done to elevate the African Movie industry. African filmmakers should continue to collaborate with Africans talents in Hollywood or vice versa. I’m also happy to see that I’m completely accepted by the African community. AMAA is also called the ‘African Oscars’ and I think the event as the potential to grow to really get to that level in the coming years.”

The actor, who was particularly impressed because the award show showcased a wide range of performers, also added that: “The world is waiting for good African movies, let’s make Africa proud, let’s tell our stories, and let’s give the world quality movies.”

Jimmy however commented that he would have liked the actual award ceremony to be a lot shorter.   According to his observations some aspects of the ceremony could have been better. “They don’t have to reward all the categories during the ceremony; they could have a pre-award show for some of the categories. Performers should not perform more than one song each. Presenters should have fewer jokes and go straight to the point. Movies clips should be shorter. Red Carpet could be more organized.”