Selection Committee Opens Applications for Nigeria’s 98th Oscars Entry

Selection Committee Opens Applications for Nigeria’s 98th Oscars Entry

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced the official opening of submissions for Nigeria’s entry in the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the NOSC is the only body authorised to select the country’s official entry in the category. The chosen film will represent Nigeria at the Oscars on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, competing for one of cinema’s most prestigious honours.

In a statement to TVC News entertainment correspondent Theophilus Elamah, the NOSC revealed that Nigerian filmmakers can submit qualifying films between August 13 and September 12, 2025, through the official NOSC portal.

Eligibility criteria include:

  • Must be a feature-length film produced outside the United States, with at least 50% of dialogue in a language other than English (Nigerian Pidgin English is acceptable).
  • Must include accurate and legible English subtitles.
  • Must meet AMPAS-approved technical specifications: 35 mm, 70 mm, or Digital Cinema formats.
  • Must have had a theatrical release for at least seven consecutive days between December 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025.

The NOSC urged Nigerian filmmakers to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase the nation’s creativity and storytelling on the global stage.