The Nigeria Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has extended an invitation to producers of feature films to submit them for consideration for the 2025 Oscars.
On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, will host the 97th Academy Awards.
The committee announced in a statement on Monday that it would select a film to represent Nigeria officially in the International Feature Film (IFF) Award competition at the Oscars.
An international feature film with at least 50% of its dialogue in a language other than English is eligible to win the IFF Award, which is given out by the Academy every year.
Filmmakers who want to submit their work must conform to specific filming formats, provide evidence of theatrical release, and provide correct and readable English subtitles.
The announcement stated that August 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024, will be the submissions portal’s open dates.
The NOSC also said that the board would be reformed by adding new members.
Among them are Victor Akande, Ali Nuhu, Blessing Effiom Egbe, Ijeoma Grace Agu, and Kene Okwuosa.
Stephanie Linus (Chairperson, NOSC), Victor Okhai, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Andy Amenechi, Yibo Koko, Izu Ojukwu, Emem Isong, Dimeji Ajibola, Jude Idada, John Njamah, and Meg Otanwa are among the other veteran members who are rejoining the board.
Speaking on her appointment in 2023, Linus said she looks forward to collaborating with her fellow committee members to showcase Nigerian filmmakers on the global stage.
“I am honoured to take on the esteemed role of NOSC Chairperson for the Oscar Awards. I look forward to working closely with my committee members on our shared vision of promoting African filmmakers on a global platform,” she said.
In October 2022, NOSC was beset with a heated crisis as its leadership voted not to enter any Nigerian movie for the IFF award category of the 2023 Oscars after weeks of internal conflict.
The development resulted in a protracted altercation with filmmakers who felt their movies should have been shortlisted.
