Finally! Nollywood gets Oscars nod

Nollywood stars

After several years of waiting and lobbying, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), has finally approved a twelve-man committee of Nollywood stakeholders ahead of the 2015 Oscars, this SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report.  

Known as the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC), it will help pave the way for Nigerian entries to be considered for the world’s most prestigious prizes for films.

Each year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award.

Only five films are chosen from all international submissions for Academy members to cast their votes and choose a winning foreign language film.

“This is a great opportunity for Nigeria to have a voice in the international film arena”, said Chineze Anyaene, filmmaker and committee chairperson.

The NOSC members include: Chineze Anyaene, Ngozi Okafor, Olumide Amure, Ramsey Noah, Kene Mkparu, Emeka Mba, Chioma Ude, Akin Salami, Mildred Okwo, Biola Alabi, Charles Novia and Shaibu Husseini.

According to the Academy rules, the members will consider submissions on seven criteria, which are: story, direction, acting, cinematography, sound, music and universal theme.

Every Nollywood movie selected each year will compete with movies from 85 other countries for the coveted Best Foreign Language Film Award. Academy members will then pick a shortlist of five foreign language pictures ahead of the awards ceremony.