Veteran Actress Gloria Anozie-Young crowned face of CITYMAG Awards 2026

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

It was an evening of glamour, emotion and heartfelt celebration as legendary Nollywood actress Gloria Anozie-Young was officially crowned the Face of CITYMAG Awards 2026 and honoured among the prestigious 40 Global Impact Makers during the just concluded CITYMAG Awards held in Lagos.

The colourful event brought together some of Nigeria’s most respected veterans, entertainers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, media personalities, humanitarian advocates and creative innovators in a grand celebration of excellence, legacy and outstanding contributions to society.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening came when Gloria Anozie-Young was crowned and presented with her award amid loud applause and admiration from guests.

The occasion became even more emotional as she was showered with flowers and celebrated by colleagues, friends and well-wishers in recognition of her remarkable career and enduring influence in the entertainment industry.

The highlight of the ceremony was the touching moment when her husband presented the award to her, creating an atmosphere filled with love, admiration and mutual respect. The emotional presentation drew standing ovations from the audience, many of whom described it as one of the defining moments of the event.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Gloria Anozie-Young expressed profound gratitude to the organisers for the recognition.

She described the CITYMAG Awards as much more than a conventional awards ceremony, saying the gathering felt like a reunion that reunited colleagues and industry veterans who had not shared the same stage in many years.

In a remarkable display of unity and appreciation, the veteran actress invited fellow Nollywood legends and icons from the music industry to join her on stage.

The invitation transformed the stage into a memorable reunion as celebrated veterans embraced one another, exchanged warm smiles and celebrated decades of excellence, sacrifice and creativity.

Many of the honoured veterans expressed appreciation to the organisers, noting that the recognition made them feel valued and appreciated for their immense contributions to the growth of African entertainment.

They said the awards served as a reminder that pioneers and trailblazers deserve to be celebrated while they are still alive to witness the appreciation of their efforts.

Several guests described the CITYMAG Awards as more than a ceremony for presenting plaques and trophies.

They said the event successfully celebrated history, preserved legacies and inspired younger generations by recognising individuals whose dedication and achievements have shaped different sectors of society.

The award recipients also commended the organisers for establishing a platform that celebrates impact, excellence and service across diverse professions.

They encouraged CITYMAG Awards to sustain the initiative annually, describing it as an important platform that honours distinguished personalities while motivating future leaders to pursue excellence.

Gloria Anozie-Young’s emergence as the Face of CITYMAG Awards 2026 and her recognition among the 40 Global Impact Makers stood out as one of the defining moments of the evening. Her crowning symbolised grace, resilience, leadership and timeless excellence, while reinforcing her enduring place among the icons who have shaped the Nigerian film industry and continue to inspire generations of actors, creatives and audiences across Africa.