Kunle Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, optimistic as Oscar selection committee gives nominated movies another chance
The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences’ choice to allow the Nigerian Official Selection Committee another opportunity to submit a nomination for the 2023 Oscars has been greeted with excitement by two Nigerian film makers, Kunle Afolayan and Femi Adebayo.
A reaction from filmmakers and fans erupted after the committee stated last month that no Nigerian film was eligible for the renowned film prize.
According to the Academy, the NOSC will have another opportunity to choose a Nigerian film for the International Feature Film category by October 21, 2022.
Husseini Shaibu, a former NOSC member who resigned earlier due to the controversy, announced this on his Twitter page on Sunday.
He said, “I have just been informed that the International Feature Film Executive Committee of @TheAcademy has intervened in the issue regarding the Nigerian Official Selection Committee. I note that an extension has been granted for a final determination by the @officialnosc.
“I also note the IFF Committee’s directive that the ENTIRE approved NOSC will be required to ALL reconvene and make a final determination.
“Though I resigned my membership of the NOSC because I felt, among other reasons, that we did not reach a CONSENSUS on the ‘nill submission’, I will be more than willing to temporarily withdraw my resignation if only for the purpose of making a final determination regarding a submission to the IFF category for the 95th Academy Awards.”
I have just been informed that the International Feature Film Executive Committee of @TheAcademy has intervened in the issue regarding the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC). I note that an extension has been granted for a final determination by the @officialnosc (1)
— Husseini Shaibu, Ph.D (@igalaman) October 16, 2022
Reacting to the news, Afolayan tweeted on Monday, “It’s just been confirmed that The Academy ‘OSCARS’ has given the Nigerian Oscars selection committee a week extension to revote and re-present a film to represent Nigeria by October 21st latest.
“God’s hand is in this one, I believe! ‘Anikulapo’ on my mind.”
It’s just been confirmed that The academy “OSCARS” have given the Nigerian Oscars selection committee a week extension to revote and re-present a film to represent Nigeria by October 21st latest??
Gods hand is in this one I believe!
Anikulapo on my mind ??
— Kunleafolayan (@kunleafolayan) October 17, 2022
While his counterpart, Femi Adebayo, posted, “Now, the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee have been compelled to present a movie latest Oct 21. I am hopeful that #KingOfThieves can put on the global ‘cos we made a great film and hope to bring home the win that we deserve.”
Now, the Nigerian Oscars selection committee have been compelled to present a movie latest Oct 21.
I'm hopeful that #KingOfThieves can put us on the global trend 'cos we made a great film and hope to bring home the win that we deserve.— Femi Adebayo (@realfemiadebayo) October 17, 2022
Afolayan’s “Anikulapo” and Adebayo’s “King Of Thieves” were among the movies presented to the NOSC for the IFF category prior to the Oscars award, but regrettably, both movies were not selected.
Kunle Afolayan and Femi Adebayo have both expressed optimism that their movies would be chosen in light of the most recent Academy action.
