The Nigerian Official Selection Committee has started accepting submissions for Nigeria's entry in the International Feature Film category for the 99th Academy Awards. This is Nigeria's chance to return to the Oscars after missing the opportunity to submit a film last year.
Submissions will take place from 1 August to 31 August 2026 via the committee's official website. The chosen film will represent Nigeria at the 99th Academy Awards set for 14 March 2027 in Los Angeles.
Last year, Nigeria did not submit a film for the 98th Academy Awards. The review committee of the NOSC decided that none of the submitted films met the standards for “creative and technical intentionality.”
The NOSC is the group recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to select Nigeria's official Oscar entry. Since 2019, the NOSC has managed Nigeria’s participation in the International Feature Film category. While Nigeria has submitted various films over the years, it has not yet received a nomination in this category.
Eligibility Requirements
The NOSC has stated that Nigerian filmmakers, producers, and rights holders can submit qualifying films through its official website, www.thenosc.org, from 1 August to 31 August 2026.
To qualify, a film must be feature-length, made outside the United States, and have at least 50 percent of its dialogue in a language other than English. Nigerian Pidgin English meets the Academy's criteria.
The film also needs to have clear English subtitles and must run for more than 40 minutes. Additionally, it must be shown commercially in a public cinema for at least seven days straight at one location before any broadcast on television, streaming services, or online. Any prior digital or broadcast release will lead to disqualification.
Complete eligibility rules and submission information can be found on the NOSC website.
The selected film will represent Nigeria at the 99th Academy Awards, joining entries from across the globe in the International Feature Film competition.
New Festival Pathway
The Academy has rolled out a new qualification pathway for this category.
According to the new rule, films that are not submitted through the NOSC or do not meet the theatrical release requirement may still qualify independently. This is possible if they win a major award at a recognized international film festival.
Eligible festivals include Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Toronto, and Busan.
The 99th Academy Awards will take place on 14 March 2027 and will be broadcast live in over 200 regions worldwide.
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