Nigerian-Canadian actor and writer Emeka Agada has earned the Best Actor award at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) for his original comedy Black Smith. The win marks a milestone in his creative journey as both a performer and storyteller, making waves in Canada and beyond.
Nigerian-Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker Emeka Agada has achieved a career milestone with his Best Actor win at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) for his standout performance in the original sketch comedy Black Smith. The recognition places Agada among a growing wave of emerging Black creatives redefining Canadian film and television.
Black Smith, a project that Agada both wrote and directed alongside comedian Lewis G., is a Canadian digital sketch comedy centred on two brothers navigating the chaos, absurdity, and humour of young adulthood. With sharp writing and dynamic on-screen chemistry, the series blends cultural authenticity and clever satire to paint an honest portrait of modern Black life through laughter.
The production was also recognized with two additional TINFF nominations for Best Web Series and Best Comedy Ensemble, highlighting its creative team’s chemistry and commitment to quality storytelling.
“This project started with just the two of us chilling in a kitchen, laughing about stories that we thought were funny,” said Agada after the ceremony. “We had a lot of fun creating our sketches. And now to have received this award—it means a lot, especially at a festival like TINFF.”
The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival has become a cornerstone for celebrating independent voices across the global Black diaspora. As a Canadian Screen Award–qualifying festival, TINFF provides a valuable platform for emerging and established artists to reach broader audiences within the industry.
A growing creative legacy
Agada’s TINFF win follows a steady trajectory of artistic exploration and success. International audiences may recognize him from his viral appearance in Amazon Prime’s hit series Reacher, while Canadian viewers know him from the drama Nurses, where he earned an ACTRA Award nomination for his guest-starring performance. His additional screen credits include The Fortunate Ones, Ruby and The Well, and Ransom.
Beyond the screen, Agada made his playwriting debut this summer with The Last Black Messiah, which premiered in London, UK, to critical acclaim. The play allowed him to explore powerful themes of revolution, faith, and Black identity—cementing his growing reputation as a multifaceted storyteller equally adept at acting, writing, and directing.
A defining moment
For Agada, the TINFF Best Actor award represents not just recognition but validation of a creative journey built on courage and persistence. It’s his first Best Actor win, and one that reflects a body of work shaped by vision and authenticity.
“Winning this award at TINFF feels like an important step in my journey as both an actor and a storyteller on the international stage,” Agada said.
As he continues to bridge performance and authorship, Agada stands as part of a new generation of Nigerian-Canadian artists reshaping how Black stories are told on screen and stage—with humour, complexity, and undeniable heart.
Audiences can catch the award-nominated series Black Smith when it premieres on YouTube (@blacksmithsketch) on October 28.
