The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) have come and gone, but for Nigerian filmmakers, the lessons from Hollywood’s biggest night are worth paying attention to.

“Anora” stole the spotlight, The Brutalist” delivered strong performances, and Emilia Pérez proved that unique storytelling can lead the nominations.

Here are seven things Nollywood can take from this year’s Oscars.

1. Research and authenticity matter

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist”, playing a Holocaust survivor and architect. His performance was praised for its depth, which came from intense research and preparation. Nigerian actors and filmmakers need to go beyond surface-level interpretations and invest time in truly understanding their characters.

2. Genre-blending is the future

The night’s biggest nominee, Emilia Pérez, wasn’t just a crime drama; it was a musical crime drama. This mix of genres made it stand out.

RREAD ALSO: Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ secures most wins at the 2025 Oscars

Nollywood needs to take more creative risks, blending genres in a way that keeps audiences hooked. Imagine a crime thriller with Afrobeats musical elements or a historical epic with sci-fi twists.

3. Strong scripts win awards

Sean Baker’s “Anora” took home Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture, proving that a well-written script is the backbone of a great film. Too often, Nollywood films rely on predictable plots and weak dialogue. If you want to compete globally, you need stronger, more original storytelling.

4. Production design and costumes elevate a film

Wicked won Best Costume Design and Best Production Design because of its stunning visuals. Nollywood has great costume designers, but attention to set design and world-building is still lacking. A film’s setting should feel immersive, whether it’s a period drama or a futuristic sci-fi.

5. Sound and editing should not be overlooked

Dune: Part Two won Best Sound, while Anora took Best Editing. These are technical aspects Nollywood often treats as an afterthought. The difference between a good film and a great one is in the details; seamless editing and crisp sound design make a film feel polished and professional.

6. International collaboration is key

Several Oscar-nominated films had international casts and crew. Nollywood has started embracing co-productions (The Black Book on Netflix is a good example), but we need more of these partnerships. Teaming up with filmmakers from South Africa, the UK, or the US can open doors for bigger budgets and global distribution.

7. Biopics and historical dramas deserve more effort

Films like The Brutalist and “A Complete Unknown” (about Bob Dylan) show that audiences still love a well-made historical drama.

Nigeria has a rich history, yet our historical films often lack depth. Imagine a well-researched, high-budget film on Queen Amina or Fela Kuti, done with the same precision Hollywood brings to its historical dramas.

Nollywood is growing, but if truly actors want to compete on the global stage, film-makers must prioritise quality over quantity.