The Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Oscars opens the call for entries for the 97th Academy Awards, from August 1-30, 2024. With the announcement posted on the committee’s official Instagram page, new members have also been unveiled. 

The new voting members of the 16-person committee include Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC); Blessing Effiom Egbe, producer-director known for Lekki Wives; Ijeoma Grace Agu, actress known for Swallow; Kene Okwuosa, Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas; and Victor Akande, Journalist, Author, and Film Critic.

As the October 2, 2024 international feature film submission deadline draws closer, here are other important dates to note ahead of the upcoming award season.

An update to the International Feature eligibility rules this year: The films must have played in cinemas in their respective country from November 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.  

Submission Window of the NOSC

August 1, 2024 – August 30, 2024

Academy Submission Deadline 

October 2, 2024

Two rounds of voting will take place by the Academy:

Firstly, to decide on a shortlist of 15 titles.

Then another round of voting to decide a list of 5 titles that shall become the nominations for final voting for the International Feature Film award.

Shortlist Announcement

December 17, 2024

Nominations Announcement

January 17, 2025

96th Oscars Award Night

 March 3, 2025

Join the conversation in the comments section or on Twitter.

Sign Up: Keep track of upcoming films and TV shows on your Google calendar.