The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is the organizer of Oscars, has sent an invite to 819 film influencers from across the globe.
Nigerian Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji and Akin Omotoso will join the Academy’s membership class drawn from 68 countries that parades other artists and executives selected for their remarkable contribution to theatrical motion picture.
Genevieve Nnaji made the list her electrifying movies “Lionheart” and “Road to Yesterday”, while Akin Omotoso was selected with respect him directing “Vaya” and “Tell Me Sweet Something” films.
The latest list also spots the Academy’s A2020 goal of increasing the number of women and people of color in its membership.
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries. There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020”, the statement reads.
Other notable names on the long list are John David Washington, Zendaya, Cynthia Erivo, Florence Pugh, and more.
If the 819 members accept the invites, agent members of the 2020 class will be allowed voting privileges at the upcoming Oscars.
This is not be the first time Nigerian filmmakers are making the Academy membership list, as it could be recall that Tinsel producer, Femi Olugbemi, and actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde were invitees in 2018.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 93rd Oscars will now hold on April 25, 2021, two months later than the initial February date.
