Three film professionals of Nigerian heritage have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, securing voting rights for the Oscars and further boosting Nigeria’s presence in the global film industry.
The newly inducted members are British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and costume designer PC Williams, who are among the 529 artists and executives selected for the Academy’s 2026 membership class.
Membership of the Academy is by invitation only and is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in the international film industry.
Announcing the new class, Academy Chief Executive Officer Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the invitees had distinguished themselves through their outstanding contributions to filmmaking across the world.
The recognition comes on the heels of the international success of My Father’s Shadow, Davies’ feature directorial debut starring Dìrísù.
The UK-Nigeria production made history as the first Nigerian film to be selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d’Or Special Mention before earning the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies.
Reacting to the honour, Davies described the invitation as one of the defining moments of his career.
“There are moments in this work that stop you still. Being invited into the Academy is one of them,” he wrote on Instagram, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to believe in themselves and continue creating meaningful work.
Dìrísù also celebrated the milestone, describing the invitation as both an honour and a privilege.
He expressed gratitude to the people who had supported his journey, saying his success was made possible by a community of family, friends and colleagues.
Williams, who was admitted through the Academy’s Costume Designers branch, also welcomed the recognition, describing it as a collective achievement.
The trio joins a growing list of Nigerian filmmakers and creatives who are members of the Academy, including Mo Abudu, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina and Ré Olunuga.
Their inclusion is expected to further strengthen Nigerian representation in global cinema while giving more Nigerian voices a role in selecting winners of the prestigious Academy Awards.
