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Three professionals of Nigerian descent have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), earning voting rights for the Oscars and further strengthening Nigerian representation in global filmmaking.
British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, and costume designer PC Williams are among the 529 artists and executives selected for the Academy’s 2026 membership class. Membership is by invitation only and is regarded as one of the highest honours in the global film industry.
Announcing the new class, Academy Chief Executive Officer Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the invitees had made “significant contributions to our global movie industry” through their dedication to filmmaking.
The recognition follows the international success of My Father’s Shadow, Davies’ feature directorial debut starring Dìrísù. The UK-Nigeria production became the first Nigerian film selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d’Or Special Mention, before winning the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Akinola and Wale Davies.
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Reacting on Instagram, Davies wrote: “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 added: “Back yourself, create with your mates… the love you put into creation will.”
Dìrísù also celebrated the invitation, saying: “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.”
Williams, who was invited through the Costume Designers branch, described the recognition as a collective achievement, writing: “OMG what a ride, Academy Class of 2026. It takes a village.”
The three join a growing list of Nigerian Academy members, including Mo Abudu, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina and Ré Olunuga.
