The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has invited three professionals of Nigerian descent to join its membership, further strengthening Nigerian representation in global cinema.
British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, and costume designer PC Williams are among the 529 artists and executives selected for the Academy’s 2026 class.
Membership is by invitation only and grants voting rights for the upcoming Academy Awards, making it one of the global film industry’s highest honours.
Announcing the new class via the Academy’s website, CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor stated that the invitees have made “significant contributions to our global movie industry” through their commitment to filmmaking.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ Success
The invitations follow the massive international success of My Father’s Shadow, Davies’ acclaimed feature directorial debut, which stars Dìrísù in the lead role.
The UK-Nigeria co-production made history as the first Nigerian film selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d’Or Special Mention. It later won the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Davies and his brother, Wale Davies.
Reacting to the honour on Instagram, Davies reflected on his journey from making short films to joining the prestigious Academy.
“There are moments in this work that stop you still. Being invited into the Academy is one of them. Knowing it came through the short films makes it hit different,” he wrote.
He also encouraged rising creatives facing difficult moments in the industry, adding, “Back yourself, create with your mates… the love you put into creation will.”
‘It Takes A Village’
Leading man Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù described the invitation as a privilege, admitting that while many actors aspire to win an Oscar, he has learned not to measure his career solely by awards.
“Being invited to be a member of the Academy is an honour and a privilege I can’t fully describe. My career took a village, and I’ll continue to take this village with me wherever the journey leads,” Dìrísù shared.
Meanwhile, British-Nigerian costume designer PC Williams, recognized for her exceptional work in the Costume Designers branch, also celebrated the achievement on social media.
“OMG what a ride, Academy Class of 2026. It takes a village,” she wrote.
The trio join a growing list of Nigerian Academy members, including Mo Abudu, Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina and Ré Olunuga.
AFP
