97th Oscars: Nigerian selection committee opens entries, introduces new members

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) invites Nigerian filmmakers to submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).

The NOSC, accredited by AMPAS, is responsible for choosing Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF Award. The submission portal will remain open from August 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024, at www.thenosc.org.

The IFF Award is conferred yearly by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States which contains 50 per cent or more of dialogue in a language or languages other than English.

The Academy stipulates that 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 announces a reformation with the addition of new members, such as Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu; Producer/Director, Blessing Effiom Egbe; Ijeoma Grace Agu; Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas Kene Okwuosa and Victor Akande, journalist, author and film critic.

Actress/filmmaker Stephanie Linus leads the committee, which has returning members such as, President of Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Dr. Victor Okhai; veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN President, Mr. Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer/director Izu Ojukwu; prolific film producer Emem Isong; director Dimeji Ajibola; writer/director Jude Idada; director John Njamah; and actress/polyglot Meg Otanwa.

Linus noted that the inclusion of new members brings together individuals with diverse creative backgrounds, enhancing the process of selecting the best film from Nigeria. The team is tasked with collecting, screening, and voting on entries to represent the country in the IFF category.

The 97th Oscars ceremony is set for March 2, 2025, broadcasting live from the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, to over 200 territories worldwide.