Nigeria begins search for 2027 Oscars entry after 2026 setback

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has initiated the process for selecting Nigeria's submission for the International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 99th Academy Awards. This marks the nation's return to the Oscars selection process after failing to submit a film for the 98th Academy Awards.

Submissions are open from August 1 to August 31, 2026, via the committee's official portal. The selected film will represent Nigeria at the prestigious awards ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles. Last year, the NOSC's review committee determined that none of the submitted films met the Academy's standards for "creative and technical intentionality," leading to Nigeria's absence from the competition.

Nigerian filmmakers, producers, and rights holders are eligible to submit qualifying films. Key requirements include the film being feature-length, produced outside the United States, and containing at least 50% of its dialogue in a language other than English, with Nigerian Pidgin English being acceptable. Films must also include accurate English subtitles and have a running time exceeding 40 minutes.

Crucially, the film must have had a commercial theatrical release for at least seven consecutive days in a single venue before any television, streaming, or internet release. Any prior digital or broadcast release will result in disqualification. The NOSC, recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), has overseen Nigeria's participation in the IFF category since 2019, though the country is still seeking its first nomination.

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Last year, Nigeria did not submit a film for the 98th Academy Awards after the NOSC’s review committee concluded that none of the entries met the required standards for “creative and technical intentionality.”