Nigeria has selected Dear Ajayi as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) picked the film after reviewing entries submitted for consideration, paving the way for it to represent the country in the international feature film category of the Oscars.
Following the selection, Dear Ajayi will be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration alongside films from other countries competing for a place in the category.
The NOSC expressed confidence in the film and wished its cast and crew success as the selection process moves to the next stage.
“We look forward to presenting the film for the Academy’s consideration and wish the team every success in the next stage of the process,” the committee said.
The selection marks another major milestone for Dear Ajayi, a Nigerian film that has already attracted international attention through its festival appearances and recognition.
The film previously made history as the first Nigerian production to compete in the Venice Days section of the Venice International Film Festival, where it received awards for its performances and cast.
Its latest selection now gives the production an opportunity to compete for one of the most recognised honours in global cinema.
However, Nigeria’s submission does not automatically mean the film will receive an Oscar nomination. The Academy will assess eligible international submissions before determining the films that advance to the official shortlist and eventual nomination stage.
The Best International Feature Film category recognises feature-length films produced outside the United States, with submissions made by individual countries through their designated selection committees.
For Nigeria, Dear Ajayi will now carry the country’s hopes as the Academy begins its consideration of films submitted for the 99th Oscars.
