The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has officially opened submissions for Nigeria’s entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

The committee, which is the only body recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to select Nigeria’s official Oscar submission, announced that eligible Nigerian filmmakers can submit their works between August 13 and September 12, 2025, through the NOSC’s official portal.

This follows Nigeria’s participation in the previous year’s Oscars, when the epic Hausa-language film “Mai Martaba” was selected in October 2024 as the country’s contender for the 97th Academy Awards. The film did not advance to the final nominations.

According to NOSC chairperson Stephanie Linus, the committee is calling on Nigerian filmmakers to submit feature-length films produced outside the United States, with at least 50 percent of the dialogue in a language other than English. Nigerian Pidgin English is accepted. Submissions must include accurate and legible English subtitles and meet technical standards approved by AMPAS, such as formats in 35 mm, 70 mm, or Digital Cinema.

Films submitted must have had a theatrical release for a minimum of seven consecutive days between December 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. Full eligibility criteria and submission details are provided on the NOSC website.

The film chosen by the NOSC will represent Nigeria in the international competition for the Oscar, which will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide. The committee aims to continue showcasing Nigerian cinema on the global stage through this annual selection process.