Award season is on the horizon and last night, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released their list of 2023 invitees. The list in Oscar’s tradition spans across every department that helps the cinematic arts take shape; actors, directors, writers, producers, musicians /composers, studio executives, publicists and behind the scene/on set players such as casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, production designers and sound pros. Amongst aforementioned lies a few recognisable names that have made an impact both in Nigeria and abroad. Here’s what we know about them.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Popularly known by his acronym RMD. He’s a Nollywood veteran that has appeared in over a 100 films including the 2015 political action thriller Oloibiri which gave him critical acclaim as an actor. Richard Mofe Damijo’s experience as an actor has earned him a place on the actor’s section on the invitees list and deservingly so.
Kunle Afolayan
Afolayan is a critically acclaimed filmmaker known for films such as The Figurine, October 1, Swallow, Anikulapo etc. He’s perhaps one of Nigeria’s most famous film makers, heralded both home and abroad. Afolayan owns a film and television academy called KAP Film and Television Academy. His sheer drive, willingness to impart the next generation and gravitas makes him a worthy invitee.
CJ “Fiery” Obasi
Obasi is a writer and filmmaker known for works such as Lionheart, Living in Bondage, Mamiwata and his debut Ojuju. Ojuju, a zero budget film, premiered at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2014, and won the award for “Best Nigerian Film”. Ojuju has screened in more than 15 film festivals, including the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Obasi is one of Nigeria’s top genre-filmmakers and a fine export of the craft of cinema.
Shola Dada
Singer, songwriter and screenwriter, Dada is a multi-hyphenate known for writing the 2022 Netflix hit Man of God, directed by Bolanle Austen Peters. She’s also known for penning Anikulapo directed by fellow invitee, Kunle Afolayan.
Jadesola Osiberu.
Last on our list is Jadesola Osiberu, a Nigerian writer, director and producer and founder of Greoh Studios. She is known for Isoken (2017), Sugar Rush (2019), Brotherhood (2022) and Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original film that streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video without a theatrical release. She’s making a name for herself in the industry following her three year deal with Amazon prime video. Jadesola Osiberu also sits worthily on the invitees list as a testament to her passion for the arts and what she has to offer in the future to come.
