NOSC Asks Nollywood Filmmakers To Submit Films For 2025 Oscars

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), chaired by Stephanie Linus-Okereke, has invited Nigerian filmmakers to submit feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars).

The NOSC, recognized by AMPAS, is in charge of selecting Nigeria's official entry for the IFF Award. The submission portal will be open from August 1, 2024, until August 30, 2024.

The Academy bestows the IFF Award yearly on a feature-length film made outside of the United States that has 50% or more of its dialogue in a language or languages other than English.

By the Academy’s standards, submitted films must meet specific criteria, including providing accurate, legible English subtitles, adherence to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release. Detailed information regarding these requirements is available on the NOSC website.

The NOSC also announced a reformation with the addition of new members, such as Ali Nuhu, managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC); Blessing Effiom Egbe, a producer and director; Ijeoma Grace Agu, an actress; Kene Okwuosa, chief executive officer of Nile Entertainment and Victor Akande, a journalist, author, and film critic.

Returning members of the committee are Victor Okhai, president of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN); veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN president Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer and director Izu Ojukwu; film producer Emem Isong; director Dimeji Ajibola; writer and director Jude Idada; director John Njamah; and actress Meg Otanwa.

Linus stated that the addition of new members brings together people from various creative backgrounds, which improves the process of selecting the greatest film from Nigeria. 

The team is responsible for gathering, screening, and voting on entries to represent the country in the IFF category.

The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025, live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, and televised to over 200 countries across the world.