The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has invited three professionals of Nigerian descent to join its membership, strengthening Nigerian representation in global cinema.
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Akinola Davies Jr., Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, and PC Williams were selected among 529 artists and executives for the Academy's 2026 class. This makes them the latest additions to the prestigious Academy, joining a growing list of Nigerian members.
Membership in the Academy grants voting rights for the upcoming Academy Awards, one of the global film industry's highest honours. The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Lynette Howell Taylor, announced the new class through their website, stating that the invitees have made “significant contributions to our global movie industry.”
The trio's invitation follows the massive international success of My Father's Shadow, Davies' acclaimed feature directorial debut. The UK-Nigeria co-production made history as the first Nigerian film selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d'Or Special Mention. It later won the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
Reacting to the honour on Instagram, Davies reflected on his journey from making short films to joining the prestigious Academy. “There are moments in this work that stop you still. Being invited into the Academy is one of them. Knowing it came through the short films makes it hit different,” he wrote.
He also encouraged rising creatives facing difficult moments in the industry, adding, “Back yourself, create with your mates… the love you put into creation will.”
Dìrísù, the leading man in My Father's Shadow, described the invitation as a privilege, admitting that while many actors aspire to win an Oscar, he has learned not to measure his career solely by awards. “Being invited to be a member of the Academy is an honour and a privilege I can’t fully describe. My career took a village, and I’ll continue to take this village with me wherever the journey leads,” Dìrísù shared.
PC Williams, a British-Nigerian costume designer, celebrated the achievement on social media. “OMG what a ride, Academy Class of 2026. It takes a village,” she wrote.
The trio joins a growing list of Nigerian Academy members, including Mo Abudu, Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina, and Ré Olunuga.
This is a great moment for Nigerian filmmakers, and it's a testament to the industry's growth and recognition globally.
The Academy's membership is by invitation only, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the film industry. The invitation-only membership process has been in place since 1927.
The Academy's Class of 2026 also includes other notable artists and executives from around the world, making it a diverse and talented group.
This is a milestone for Nigerian filmmakers, and it sets the stage for even greater recognition and opportunities in the global film industry.