The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has invited Nigerian filmmakers to submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars). This year, actress Stephanie Linus will lead the committee.
The NOSC, accredited by AMPAS, is responsible for choosing Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF Award. The submission portal will be open from August 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024, at www.thenosc.org.
The IFF Award is conferred annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States, which contains 50% or more of dialogue in a language other than English. Submitted films must meet specific criteria, including providing accurate, legible English subtitles, adhering to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release. Detailed information regarding these requirements is available on the NOSC website.
The NOSC has also announced a reformation with the addition of new members, such as:
- Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC)
- Blessing Effiom Egbe, Producer and Director
- Ijeoma Grace Agu, Actress
- Kene Okwuosa, Chief Executive Officer of Nile Entertainment
- Victor Akande, Journalist, Author, and Film Critic
Returning members include:
- Victor Okhai, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN)
- Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
- Former DGN President Andy Amenechi
- Theatre practitioner Yibo Koko
- Writer and Director Izu Ojukwu
- Film Producer Emem Isong
- Director Dimeji Ajibola
- Writer and Director Jude Idada
- Director John Njamah
- Actress Meg Otanwa
Stephanie 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, and will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, to over 200 territories worldwide.