Five Nigerian filmmakers are among the 398 new members that have been invited to join the membership of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). AMPAS hosts the annual Academy Awards, popularly referred to as The Oscars. The four Nigerian filmmakers on the list of invitees published today are Kunle Afolayan, CJ Fiery Obasi, Jade Osiberu, Shola and Richard Mofe-Damijo. They would join fellow Nigerian filmmakers including Tunde Kelani, Genevieve Nnaji, Mo Abudu, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and more, as member of the Academy should they accept the invitation.
The five filmmakers were nominated in different categories, which highlights the growth of different sectors of the Nigerian film industry in recent years.
Known for The Figurine (2009), Swallow (2021) and Anikulapo (2022), Kunle Afoloyan was invited to the writers branch of The Academy.
Known for Ojuju (2014) and Mami Wata (2023), CJ Obasi was invited to the directors branch of The Academy.
Known for Sugar Rush (2019), Ayinla (2021) and Brotherhood (2022), Jade Osiberu was invited to the producers branch of The Academy.
Known for Diamond Ring (1998), The Wedding Party (2016) and Castle & Castle (2021), Richard Mofe-Damijo was invited to the actors branch of the Academy.
Known for Man of God (2021) and Anikulapo (2022), Shola Dada was invited to the writers branch of The Academy.