NOSC decides against submitting film for 2026 Oscars
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that it will not be submitting any Nigerian film for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. This decision marks another year in which Nigeria will not be represented in one of the most prestigious global film categories.
In a statement released on Monday, the committee’s chairperson, Stephanie Linus, confirmed that although six films were submitted for review, none met the committee’s standards for Oscar qualification.
Six films received, but none make the cut
According to Linus, the NOSC began the selection process in August 2025 by issuing a call for entries to Nigerian filmmakers. The committee received six films for consideration before convening over the weekend to vote on whether any should move forward.
“During our deliberations, the NOSC voted by majority to make No Submission,” Linus said. “This decision was not taken lightly, but it reflects our commitment to only present films that meet the artistic and technical standards expected by the Academy.”
The result has since been formally communicated to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which oversees the Oscars.
Concerns about creative and technical standards
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Linus emphasized that while Nigerian cinema has made significant progress in recent years, there remains a gap between local productions and the rigorous expectations of the Oscars.
“Nigerian films have no doubt shown significant improvement and a growing awareness of International Feature Film (IFF) standards,” she said. “However, there is still a deficit in creative and technical intentionality that will improve their competitive potential for global awards.”
She added that elements such as screenplay development, cinematography, editing, and sound design still require more deliberate refinement to compete effectively on the international stage.
Background on Nigeria’s Oscar journey
Nigeria has historically faced challenges in submitting films to the Academy Awards. The country’s first-ever submission came in 2019 with “Lionheart” directed by Genevieve Nnaji. However, the film was disqualified for having too much dialogue in English — which did not meet the requirement for predominantly non-English dialogue in the International Feature Film category.
Since then, the NOSC has been working to raise awareness among Nigerian filmmakers about Oscar eligibility criteria. Despite the growing interest and a thriving Nollywood industry, consistent challenges remain around language use, production values, and international appeal.
Looking ahead: A call for industry growth
While this year’s outcome may be disappointing for some within Nigeria’s creative community, Linus expressed optimism about the future.
“We believe that with continued effort, capacity-building, and international collaborations, Nigerian films will not only qualify but will also excel at the Oscars in years to come,” she said.
The NOSC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting filmmakers through education, industry dialogue, and advocacy to help elevate the global perception of Nigerian cinema.
Conclusion
The decision not to submit a film for the 2026 Oscars underscores the high standards required for international recognition and the continued need for investment in Nigeria’s film infrastructure and talent development.
Though no film will represent the country at next year’s Academy Awards, industry experts hope that the setback will inspire more intentional filmmaking efforts that align with global expectations.
