In a remarkable achievement for Nollywood cinema, the vibrant and culturally rich film Aso Ebi Diaries secured the prestigious Best Costume Design award at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), held from September 6 to 12 at venues including York Woods Library Theatre, Fairview Library Theatres, and Afroglobal TV Studio in Toronto, Canada. The festival, a globally recognized platform celebrating diverse storytelling with a special focus on Nollywood—one of the world’s largest film industries—highlighted the movie’s exceptional contributions to fashion, culture, and narrative innovation during its annual awards ceremony. This win, announced on the evening of September 13, 2025, underscores the film’s ability to weave traditional Nigerian elements into modern cinematic excellence, earning praise for elevating Nollywood’s global presence.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Biodun Stephen, Aso Ebi Diaries is more than just a movie; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Aso Ebi tradition—a Yoruba cultural practice symbolizing unity, solidarity, and celebration through matching outfits worn by family and friends at events like weddings, engagements, and parties. Set against the bustling backdrop of modern Lagos, Nigeria, the story follows Elizabeth (also known as Fari), a once-elite socialite who falls from grace after a humiliating scandal. Determined to reclaim her status, she enlists her loyal friends Chizzy and Temi to navigate emotional setbacks, poor choices, betrayals, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family. The narrative blends drama, comedy, romance, and resilience, offering a rollercoaster of emotions while reinforcing the importance of community and self-reinvention. With a runtime of 120 minutes, the script by Frances Okeke delivers authentic, entertaining, and relatable storytelling that has resonated with audiences worldwide.

Produced by Laide Daramola of Lady Laide Studios and co-producer Taiwo Adebayo, the film premiered amid glamour and razzmatazz on April 17, 2025, at Jewel Aeida in Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing Nollywood stars, socialites, and partygoers in a sea of beautifully tailored Aso Ebi outfits. It hit cinemas across Nigeria shortly after, distributed by Cinemax Nigeria Limited, and quickly became a blockbuster. The U.S. premiere in July 2025 sold out, earning a stellar 9.5 out of 10 rating for its feel-good vibes, hilarious characters, life lessons on fashion and relationships, and avoidance of overly serious or outlandish tropes. Critics and viewers alike have lauded it as one of the better Nollywood films in recent years, praising its fusion of tradition with high fashion, vibrant parties, and meaningful symbolism—such as how Aso Ebi serves as both armor and a statement in the protagonist’s journey.

The Best Costume Design award rightfully goes to the talented duo of Yolanda Okereke and Janet Aiyegbusi, whose elaborate designs breathe life into every scene, seamlessly blending Nigerian heritage with contemporary flair. Their work not only enhances the visual spectacle but also deepens the film’s themes of cultural identity and unity, making the outfits a foundational fabric of the story itself. The star-studded cast, including Shaffy Bello, Kunle Remi, Nancy Isime, Bukky Wright, Daniel Etim Effiong, and others, brings authenticity and humor to the screen, with standout performances from supporting roles like those played by Tina Mba and others contributing to genuinely funny moments. As Laide Daramola noted at the premiere, Aso Ebi Diaries is “a movement” about community, tribe, and unity, and this international accolade proves it’s taking over global cinemas.

Congratulations to Yolanda Okereke, Janet Aiyegbusi, and the entire Aso Ebi Diaries team for this well-deserved honor at TINFF, a Canadian Screen Award- and Telefilm Canada-qualifying festival that promotes inclusion and innovation. This victory highlights Nollywood’s rising bar in quality storytelling, acting, and production, positioning it as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. As social media buzzes with excitement—fans calling it a “win for quality GL [glamour and laughs], storytelling, and immaculate acting”—the film continues to inspire discussions on fashion, culture, and resilience.