- Committee voted on September 26 for “No Submission” for Nigeria’s 2026 Oscar
- The submitted works still lacked the creative depth and technical precision
- Proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has confirmed that Nigeria will not be submitting any entry for the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 2026 Academy Awards.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that NOSC Chairperson Stephanie Linus announced in a statement Monday that, despite receiving six entries since August, the committee voted on September 26 for “No Submission” for Nigeria’s 2026 Oscar International Feature Film entry, ending the selection process.
According to Linus, Nigerian filmmakers have continued to make progress, with noticeable improvements in quality and greater awareness of global standards.
However, she stressed that the submitted works still lacked the creative depth and technical precision required to compete successfully on the international stage.
She further revealed that the committee has already communicated its resolution to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which oversees the Oscars.
Expressing regret over the outcome, Linus assured that the NOSC would intensify efforts to guide filmmakers in aligning their projects with international expectations.
“This is why the NOSC will be taking more proactive steps to encourage filmmakers to create with the Oscars in mind,” she stated, urging directors, producers, and writers to study previously nominated films in the IFF category as a way of strengthening future submissions.
The International Feature Film award recognizes feature-length productions made outside the United States, with at least half of the dialogue in a non-English language.
