The film was first released at the 2009 Rotterdam International Film Festival and was met with widespread critical acclaim.[1][9][10][11] It received ten nominations and won five awards at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards, including the awards for Best Picture, Heart of Africa, Achievement in Cinematography and Achievement in Visual Effects.[12] On 31 July 2014, A book titled Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspectives on The Figurine, detailing scholarly analysis of events in the film was released. The book was also welcomed with positive reviews.[13][14] The Figurine has also been used as a subject of educational studies in the Arts department of some higher institutions.[15][16]