Ahead of 2020 Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has constituted a 12-man committee comprising of stakeholders in the Nollywood industry.
The committee is responsible for calling Nigerian entries ahead of the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony which will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles on February 9, 2020.
The newly constituted Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC), which comprises of young and old Nollywood stakeholders, is headed by pioneer member and chairperson, Chineze Anyaene, with other members including Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Ngozi Okafor, Charles Novia, Abba Makama, Bruce Ayonote, Ramsey Nouah, Chioma Ude, Shaibu Husseini, Adetokunbo “DJ Tee” Odubawo and CJ Obasi.
Chineze Anyaene in a chat with Premium Times on Monday disclosed that the committee will fulfill its mandate by giving opportunity to Nigerian films to compete at the annual academy awards.
She said Nigeria couldn’t make submissions in previous editions due to the inability of Nigerian films to meet up with the basic criteria for the awards.
Anyaene said, “We don’t take this for granted. We hope the committee fulfils its original mandate, which is to give a platform to credible Nigerian films to compete at the prestigious Academy Awards annually.
“We couldn’t make any submissions in previous years due to unavailability of qualifying films, but things are looking hopeful… and we are actively working towards having an entry this year.”
Nigeria joined 82 other countries contesting in the Foreign Language – now called “International Feature Film” – category at the Oscars after approval and subsequent inauguration of the NOSC in February 2014.
The International Feature Film of the Oscars gives Nigerian filmmakers living in Nigeria and Diaspora an opportunity for a shot at the foremost creative industry award scheme globally.
By Tobi Olusola