Veteran Nigerian movie makers, Genevieve Nnaji and Akin Omotoso have been extended invites to join The Academy’s membership class selected from 68 countries.
This was announced in a statement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), host of the Academy Awards (Oscars).
It stated that AMPAS extended invites to 819 film influencers from across the globe, including actors Genevieve Nnaji and Akin Omotoso for their immense contribution to theatrical motion picture.
Award-winning British actress and singer of Nigerian descent Cynthia Erivo was also included in the list.
The list reflects the Academy’s A2020 goal of increasing the number of women and people of color in its membership.
Its statement reads;
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.
Other notable mentions include Ladj Ly, Bernie Taupin, Matthew A. Cherry, Florence Pugh, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Nora Lum better known as Awkwafina.
Genevieve accepted her invite on Twitter, saying;
I am honored to be a member of the family. Thank you The Academy.
I’m honored to be a member of the family. Thank you @TheAcademy !! https://t.co/KBmza9he9E
— Genevieve Nnaji MFR (@GenevieveNnaji1) July 1, 2020
If the remaining 818 members accept the invites, which will most probably be the case, members of the 2020 class will be allowed voting privileges at the upcoming Oscars.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 93rd Oscars will now hold on April 25, 2021, two months later than the initial February date.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Nigerian filmmakers are making the Academy membership list.
In 2018, actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Tinsel producer, Femi Odugbemi were extended invites.
