I Nearly Walked Right Out Of The AMVCA Auditorium Before Hearing My Name Called As A Winner” Arukwe

According to a video posted on Tea With Tay Podcast on Saturday October 10, 2026, actor Uzor Arukwe said he was already leaving the AMVCA auditorium when his name was announced as a winner.

Mr. Arukwe spoke on the podcast about his recent win. He said he had been nominated in two categories, best supporting actor and best lead actor.

He said he had been nominated a few times before but had never won. This time, he said, he did not expect it and did not even pray for it.

He also said he felt some backlash after the win, because he believed the other nominees in the categories were strong.

He named his respect for the actors who were nominated with him, and said he thought they were phenomenal.

In his words, Uzor Arukwe said, “I do not get hope, bro. That is why it took me a long time to get on stage, because I was already stepping out of the auditorium when they announced it.

“I had to stop. I thought, ‘Is it me that they called?’ My manager just went crazy.

“He was hysterical. I had to run, and yes, that happened. I am grateful to God for it. Very grateful. I think God just used that to bless me, and I appreciate it,” he said.

The host asked how it felt to win after investing so much time and energy. Mr. Arukwe said it felt like a relief.

He said he had always told himself he did not do the work for validation, but that deep down he wanted to win one.

He added that the award felt like a stamp of approval. According to him, it showed that people finally see his work and believe he deserves it. He said he hopes to keep working after the win.

Watch headline quotes from (00:40:33 to 00:40:43):

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