Nigeria has dropped off the race for the Oscars next year.
Nigeria’s official selection for the coveted Best International Film, Mai Martaba, did not make the list of 15 films shortlisted for possible nomination for next year’s Oscar awards.
The lost was announced last night in Los Angeles. The list will further be reduced to five in January when the final nominees will be announced. Only one out of the final five nominees will pick the Oscar diadem at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony that is scheduled to hold in Los Angeles, USA on March 2, 2025.
No Nigerian film has made it to the shortlist State of the Oscar race. C.J Obasi’s Mami Wata didn’t make it pass general selection stage in 2023, so was The Milkmaid by Desmond Ovbiagele in 2021.
Genevieve Nnaji’s LionHeart was disqualified after submission in 2019.
Nigeria did not have entries in 2020 and 2022.
However, the director of Mai Martaba, Prince Daniel, popularly known in Nollywod as Aboki, has penned a moving note after dropping out of the Oscar Race.
“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God for granting me the opportunity to experience a new side of the film journey. Not because I am more deserving, but because it has been a humbling and eye-opening experience.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us—those who called to offer encouragement, those who connected us with the right people, and those who pointed us in the right direction. Your guidance and support have meant the world to us.
The past few weeks have been the most intense and chaotic days of my life. However, they have also marked a pivotal turning point in my career and for many new entrants into the industry who have worked alongside me. Additionally, it has been an inspiring journey for the millions of young people who have been motivated by our story.
Despite being told that it might be too late to make an impact (and rightfully so), we chose to push forward with everything we had. Our aim was simple: to create visibility for the industry, even if only in a small way. From media campaigns both in Nigeria and abroad, to meetings with the Vice President, Ministers, Governors, CEOs of banks, and even the 36 First Ladies of Nigeria, as well as representatives from embassies and high commissions—we made our voices heard. And I can say, without a doubt, we were heard loud and clear.
I sincerely appreciate everyone here who has supported us over the last few weeks. Your involvement has been invaluable.
For the record, I’d like to acknowledge the leadership of Dr. Ali Nuhu, MD NFC, who chaired the team, with Dr. Rogers Ofime as his deputy. The core team, including Emem Kush, Dan Chris Ebie, Egor Kelly, and myself, worked tirelessly, contributing immense time and resources. I am truly grateful for each of them.
A special appreciation goes to the great men and women who worked with us on the flank—too numerous to mention, but I will name a few: Greg Pdutayo, Steve Gukas, Dimbo Atiya, Victor Okhai, Dr Ahmed Sarari, Sani Muazu, Eddy Lawani, Blessing Egbe, Yibo Koko, Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, Kenneth Gyan, Chioma Ude, Segun Arinze, Sunny Mcdon, Lala Akindoju, Nse Nkpe Etim, Obi Asika, Shaibu Husseini, DJ Tee, Lancelot Imasuen, Uzee Usman, Ramsey Nouah, Dele Ajakaiye, Francis Duru, John Aduloju, John Njamah and Sewedo Nupowaku among several others.
I reached out to Mati Diop, the director of the documentary, Dahomey, to congratulate her and wish her well on her second shortlist, after her first with Atlantics in 2019.
I am excited to announce that the Iron Lady, Chioma Ude, will be distributing our two films, Mai Martaba and Kaka.
Everything about our Oscars journey has been a win—from the personal learnings, the connections, the interest by big studios to release the soundtracks, to international exhibitions and in-flight deals, to mention just a few.
On this adventure, I can confidently say: once I was blind, but now I can see.
I am ready to play internationally, having been exposed to both the craft and the politics of the craft.
My team and I are now lifetime volunteers for anyone from Africa, especially Nigeria, going to the Oscars. We will share our experiences and insights in forums, masterclasses, with film and theatre students, and at film events and festivals—specifically the backstories.
I am grateful to God and to all of you.
I shall be back.”
