The Nigerian Official Selection Committee announced on 26 September 2025 that no film would represent the country at the 2026 Oscars in the International Feature Film category. This decision, the third in recent years, cited a lack of “creative and technical intentionality” in the six submissions received. Committee chairperson Stephanie Linus called for more deliberate filmmaking to meet global standards. This development raises key questions about the process and the state of Nollywood.

The Transparency Headache That’s Killing Trust

The NOSC’s refusal to reveal the six submitted films or the voting details, despite using an open ballot, is baffling. How can an industry grow when the process is shrouded in mystery? This lack of transparency raises doubts about fairness and hinders learning from mistakes. Film critic Kelvin Childs described the situation as a “systemic failure” in Nollywood’s infrastructure and approach. In contrast, other African nations like Senegal and South Africa consistently submit entries, gaining international exposure regardless of outcomes.

Nigeria has a history of intermittent Oscar participation, with no submissions in 2022 and 2023. Past efforts, such as the disqualification of Lionheart in 2019 for excessive English dialogue, highlight ongoing challenges. If the NOSC truly wants improvement, unveiling the list would let us evaluate and learn. Hiding it only fuels suspicion and stalls progress. The same secrecy extends to filmmakers who rarely disclose budgets, perpetuating a culture of opacity that drags the industry down.

Why Indigenous Films Are Getting the Short End of the Stick

Indigenous films, which are crucial for Oscar eligibility due to the requirement for over 50 per cent non-English dialogue, face significant funding barriers. Nollywood produces numerous titles annually, but many indigenous works in Yoruba, Hausa, or Igbo opt for direct-to-streaming releases on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, bypassing the necessary theatrical run from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards highlighted indigenous entries like House of Ga’a and Lisabi, showing promise, but resources remain scarce. The Nigeria Indigenous Language Film Showcase, launching in October 2025, aims to help, though it’s too late for this cycle. More investment could ensure films meet technical standards like quality subtitles and editing, boosting their global appeal.

The Real Talk on Quality: Where Nollywood’s Falling Short

While 2025 featured successful Yoruba-language films that could have been eligible, reviews indicate areas for improvement in narrative and execution. These insights help explain why submissions may not have advanced.

Even promising films like Ori: Rebirth, Labake Olododo, and Iyalode—all Yoruba-language entries released in 2025—failed to secure a spot. These could have been strong contenders, yet their shortcomings suggest why they didn’t qualify. Ori: Rebirth likely struggled with incoherent execution, its themes muddled by poor structure. Labake Olododo might have faltered due to cluttered storytelling and underdeveloped characters, undermining its potential.

Iyalode, despite cultural richness, could have been held back by narrative and technical flaws like shaky editing or inadequate subtitles, failing to meet Oscar’s rigorous standards. The 50 per cent non-English dialogue rule and technical requirements are non-negotiable. Without addressing these flaws, even the best ideas fall short.

Moving Forward: Recommendations for Nollywood

Nollywood enthusiasts and critics will find this decision unsurprising, there is simply no quality Nollywood movie that meets the Oscar requirement in the last year. However, the no-submission reflects challenges across the NOSC and the industry. Greater transparency from the committee, alongside increased funding for indigenous films and a strong focus on quality, could turn things around.

Industry insights suggest 2025 resolutions include these steps for growth. Addressing these issues can position Nollywood more effectively on the global stage.