Oscar Weighs In On NOSC Crisis, Gives An Extension For A Final Determination Of Votes

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has reportedly intervened in the ongoing crisis in the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) by proposing a re-vote.

Following last month’s announcement of ‘no film submissions,’ the committee has been rocked by controversies.

According to committee member Shaibu Husseini, the Academy granted NOSC members an ‘extension for a final determination.’

I have just been informed that the International Feature Film Executive Committee of @TheAcademy has intervened in the issue regarding the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC). I note that an extension has been granted for a final determination by the @officialnosc (1)

— Husseini Shaibu, Ph.D (@igalaman) October 16, 2022

“I have just been informed that the International Feature Film Executive Committee of @TheAcademy has intervened in the issue regarding the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC). I note that an extension has been granted for a final determination by the @officialnosc

“I also note the IFF Committee’s directive that ‘the ENTIRE approved NOSC will be required to ALL reconvene and make a final determination’. Though I resigned my membership of the NOSC because I felt, among other reasons, that we did not reach a CONSENSUS on the ‘nill submission’.”

The Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee has been rocked by internal turmoil in recent weeks following its September announcement that no film qualified for the 2023 Oscars International Feature Film category submission.

Mildred Okwo and Husseini, members of the committee, confirmed their resignation following the announcement, amid reports of alleged misconduct by chairperson Chineze Anyaene. However, neither the filmmaker nor the committee’s publicist has responded publicly to the allegations.

According to a NOSC statement, the committee voted for three films, including ‘Elesin Oba’ from EbonyLife Studios, ‘Anikulapo’ from Kunle Afolayan, and ‘King of Thieves’ from Femi Adebayo. While eight members voted for ‘no submission,’ ‘Elesin Oba’ received five votes, with the remaining films splitting the votes 1-1.