Nigeria Submits "Dear Ajayi" for 99th Oscars International Feature Category
Nigerian Official Selection Committee chose Damilola Orimogunje’s film Dear Ajayi as Nigeria’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards
In Brief
- •Nigerian Official Selection Committee chose Damilola Orimogunje’s film Dear Ajayi as Nigeria’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards
- •Submission window ran from 1 to 31 August 2026; the film is a Nigeria‑Germany co‑production set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria
- •Oscars ceremony scheduled for 14 March 2027 in Los Angeles; the film must still be evaluated for shortlist and nomination
- •Nigeria had not submitted a film for the 98th Oscars, marking its return to the international feature category
- •Dear Ajayi screened at 2026 Giornate degli Autori and will screen at Film Africa London on 30 October 2026
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s selection of Dear Ajayi signals a renewed presence in the global film arena after a one‑year absence, offering the country a platform to showcase its storytelling and cultural narratives on an international stage. The film’s co‑production with Germany and multilingual dialogue also highlight the growing collaboration between African and European cinema, potentially opening doors for future co‑productions and broader distribution opportunities.
Key Details
- Submission Window
- 1–31 August 2026
- Oscars Ceremony
- 14 March 2027, Los Angeles
- Film Co‑Production
- Nigeria–Germany
- Screening at Film Africa
- 30 October 2026, London
- NOSC Recognition
- Since 2019
Context & Background
Nigeria had not submitted a film for the 98th Oscars, making this its return to the international feature category.
What To Watch
Oscars ceremony on 14 March 2027 in Los Angeles
Original Reporting & Sources
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