The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that no Nigerian film will be submitted for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. Despite receiving six entries following an August call for submissions, the committee voted overwhelmingly to make no submission this year.
NOSC chairperson Stephanie Linus explained that while Nigerian films are showing promising growth and awareness of international film standards, they still fall short in creative and technical execution required to compete globally. This decision reflects a candid assessment aimed at pushing the industry toward higher benchmarks for future international recognition.
The outcome has been officially communicated to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, signaling a temporary pause but also a call for deeper investment in Nollywood’s creative and technical capacities. The coming years will be critical for Nigeria’s film sector as it strives to elevate its global impact.
