The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invites to 819 film influencers from across the globe including Nigeria’s Akin Omotoso and Genevieve Nnaji.
Omotoso and Nnaji will join the Academy’s membership class selected from across 68 countries.
A statement released by the academy stated that the 819 invitees are selected for their immense contribution to theatrical motion picture.
The list of invitees reflects the Academy’s A2020 goal of increasing the number of women and people of colour in its membership.
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries. There are 75 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020”, the statement reads.
Should the 819 invitees accept the invite, agent members of the 2020 class will be allowed voting privileges at next year’s Oscars.
Other notable invitees include Cynthia Erivo, Ladj Ly, Bernie Taupin, Matthew A. Cherry, Florence Pugh, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina.
With their invitation, Omotosho and Nnaji Join other Nigerians like Femi Odugbemi, Tunde Kelani and Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde on the prestigious Oscars voting club.
The 93rd Oscars will now hold on April 25, 2021, two months later than the initial February date, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
