The African Voice Newspaper, UK, has released its nominees for the 17th African Film Awards 2012 a.k.a Afro Hollywood Awards.

The winners in each award category, who will be attending the prestigious annual awards in London, will be announced at a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, in Akure, Ondo State.

The African Actor of the Year will be contested by one of South Africa's leading actors, Jafta Mamabolo (famed for his role in Otelo Burning), who will slug it out with Joseph Benjamin of Nigeria (Tango With Me) and Van Vicker of Ghana.

Chika Ike will have Tonto Dikeh and Omoni Oboli to beat in the Best Actress (English language film) category while the battle for the Best Actress (Supporting Role in an English language film) will be between Kiki Omeili, Nse Ikpe Etim and Oge Okoye.

Nominees for the Best Actress (Yoruba language film) are Funke Adesiyan, Ayo Adesanya and Laide Bakare.

Commenting on this year's edition, Prince Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice Newspaper UK and Chairman of the awards committee said "the awards ceremony will attract British African stars from film & television, British producers seeking collaboration with Nollywood practitioners and high net worth British Africans seeking to invest in Africa's leading film industry.

"Akure in Ondo State has been chosen to announce the finalists from Nollywood this year to promote peaceful electioneering in the forth coming Governorship elections in the state. It is hoped that the popularity of Nollywood and wide acceptance of the award brand will drive international media attention to the variety of tourist attractions in the state such as the historic Idanre Hills".