The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced the opening of submissions for the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars). Nigerian filmmakers can submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category from August 1 to August 30, 2024.

This announcement, made through various media outlets and social platforms, highlights the criteria for eligibility. Films must be feature-length, produced outside the United States, and contain at least 50% of dialogue in a non-English language. The films must also have accurate English subtitles and meet specific technical standards.

The committee. will be responsible for selecting Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF award at the 97th Oscars and has introduced new voting members to its 16-person team. The new members include Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation; Blessing Effiom Egbe, producer-director; actress Ijeoma Grace Agu; Kene Okwuosa, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas; and journalist and film critic Victor Akande.

Returning members include actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus, who chairs the committee. Other members are President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria Victor Okhai, actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, former DGN President Andy Amenechi, theatre practitioner Yibo Koko, writer-director Izu Ojukwu, film producer Emem Isong, director Dimeji Ajibola, writer-director Jude Idada, filmmaker John Njamah, and actress Meg Otanwa.

Stephanie Linus emphasized that the inclusion of new members with diverse creative backgrounds aims to enhance the selection process. “The inclusion of new members brings together individuals with diverse creative backgrounds, enhancing the process of selecting the best film from Nigeria. The team is tasked with collecting, screening, and voting on entries to represent the country in the IFF category,” she stated.

Important dates for the upcoming award season include the submission window for the NOSC from August 1-30, 2024, and the Academy’s submission deadline on October 2, 2024. The process will involve two rounds of voting by the Academy. The first round will determine a shortlist of 15 titles.

The second round will decide the final five nominations for the International Feature Film award. The shortlist will be announced on December 17, 2024, and the nominations on January 17, 2025.

The 97th Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 3, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles. It will be broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

Last Years Oscar selection for Nigeria was, CJ Obasi’s Mama Wata.

For more information on submission criteria and detailed guidelines, filmmakers are encouraged to visit the NOSC website.