Nollywood Is Rising, Why Hasn’t It Cracked the Oscars Yet?

Nigeria’s film industry is gaining ground. Nollywood films now travel across continents, stream on global platforms, and feature in major international festivals. Production quality has improved, stories are becoming bolder, and Nigerian filmmakers are thinking more globally than ever before.

Yet there is a question that invites deeper reflection: did you know that no Nigerian film has ever won an Oscar or even received a nomination?

This gap becomes more striking when compared with Nigeria’s music industry. Nigerian musicians have crossed borders with ease, earning Grammy nominations and wins, shaping global pop culture, and building strong international networks. Film, on the other hand, is still finding its footing within the rigid structures of global awards systems like the Academy Awards.

In recent years, Nigeria has officially submitted films for consideration in the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category. These submissions did not result in nominations, but each tells an important story about where Nollywood is and where it is still headed.

Nigerian Films Submitted for Oscar Consideration

Lionheart (2018)

Director: Genevieve Nnaji

Year of Release: 2018

Oscar Submission Year: 2020

Outcome: Disqualified

Lionheart holds a historic place as Nigeria’s first official Oscar submission. However, the film was disqualified because a significant portion of its dialogue was in English, which did not meet the Academy’s language requirements for the International Feature Film category at the time. Despite this setback, the submission opened the door for Nigeria’s future participation.

Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) (2020)

Directors: Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri

Year of Release: 2020

Oscar Submission Year: 2021

Outcome: Not nominated

A slow-burning drama set in Lagos, Eyimofe follows two individuals seeking escape from difficult economic and emotional realities. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, earning international critical praise. It was not shortlisted or nominated by the Academy, reflecting the intense competition and limited slots within the category.

The Milkmaid (2020)

Director: Desmond Ovbiagele

Year of Release: 2020

Oscar Submission Year: 2022

Outcome: Not nominated

The Milkmaid marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s Oscar strategy. Told largely in Hausa and Fulfulde, the film explores the trauma of insurgency in Northern Nigeria.

It won several awards at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Despite its critical acclaim, it did not make the Academy shortlist.

Aníkúlápó (2022)

• Director: Kunle Afolayan
• Year of Release: 2022
• Oscar Submission Year: 2023
• Outcome: Not nominated

A Yoruba-language epic inspired by folklore and mythology, Aníkúlápó demonstrated Nigeria’s growing confidence in indigenous storytelling. Backed by strong production values and international streaming exposure, the film was Nigeria’s official submission but did not progress to nomination stage.

Mami Wata (2023)

• Director: C.J. “Fiery” Obasi
• Year of Release: 2023
• Oscar Submission Year: 2024
• Outcome: Not nominated

Shot in striking black and white, Mami Wata draws heavily from African folklore and myth. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prestigious recognitions for any Nigerian film to date. Still, it did not secure an Oscar nomination, highlighting how festival success does not always translate into Academy recognition.

These films raise important questions about the future of Nollywood on the global stage. Is the industry investing enough in long-term awards strategy, international marketing, and sustained global presence? Are there structural lessons to be learned from the success of Nigeria’s music industry?

Nollywood’s journey to the Oscars is not a verdict on talent — it is a reflection of systems, timing, and global positioning. The industry is moving forward. The deeper question now is whether it can align creativity with strategy strongly enough to turn global attention into global recognition.