The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that no Nigerian film will be submitted for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 96th Academy Awards, also known as the 2026 Oscars.
The decision was reached after a vote by NOSC members during a deliberation held on September 26, despite receiving six film submissions following a public call for entries in August.
“The Committee resolved by majority vote that there will be no submission for the 2026 Oscars,” said Stephanie Linus, NOSC Chairperson, in an official letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Gaps in Execution Despite Industry Growth
While acknowledging progress in Nollywood’s cinematic evolution, Linus said the films submitted fell short of the creative and technical standards required to compete effectively at the global level.
“Despite growth, Nigerian films still lack the intentionality required to compete at the Oscars,” she said.
She noted that while the submissions showed potential, they did not meet the IFF category’s strict criteria, which include high artistic quality, strong storytelling, and at least 50% non-English dialogue.
Looking Ahead: Raising the Bar for Nollywood
Linus emphasized that NOSC remains committed to supporting Nigerian filmmakers to achieve international acclaim. She announced plans for proactive engagement with the local industry, including training sessions, mentorship programs, and technical guidance to help filmmakers better understand the expectations of the Oscars.
“We encourage Nigerian filmmakers to study previous IFF-nominated works to better understand global standards,” Linus added.
She expressed optimism that with more deliberate effort and awareness of the category’s demands, Nigeria could become a strong contender in future editions of the Oscars.