In July 2022, Nollywood filmmaker Blessing Effiom Egbe expressed her astonishment and gratitude upon receiving an invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of the 2022 class, alongside Funke Akindele and Daniel K. Daniel. Speaking to Vanguard News, Egbe, known for films like The Women, Two Brides and a Baby, and the hit series Lekki Wives, said, “I feel highly honoured to have been selected, and invited to join the Academy.” The invitation, which came as a complete surprise, marked a significant achievement for the prolific director and producer, reflecting her growing influence in global cinema.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Egbe admitted she had not anticipated the honor, noting, “I did not see this coming at all. I’ve never really paid much attention to the process behind the selection of winning films for the prestigious Oscars awards.” She delved into the Academy’s selection process, learning that current members nominate filmmakers, who are then vetted and approved by the Board of Governors. “I have had to go read about the process of selection of new members, and I can now conclude, this is no easy feat to achieve,” she stated. The Academy emphasized that membership is based on professional qualifications, with a focus on representation, inclusion, and equity, with the 2022 class comprising 44% women, 37% from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50% from 53 countries outside the U.S.
From Aspiration to Participation
Egbe revealed that her prior engagement with the Oscars was limited to admiring the process from afar and aspiring to one day submit a film. “The most I’ve done is wonder how grueling and daunting it must be for the film producers who submit their films and are awaiting feedback,” she said, adding that she had discussed potential storylines with industry friends for a future Oscars submission. The invitation to join the Academy’s Directors Branch, however, elevated her role to actively participating in viewing and voting for Oscar-nominated films, a responsibility she described as “an actual participation in the viewing and voting of submitted films for this highly rated award we watch from afar.”
A Boost for Nollywood’s Global Presence
Egbe’s inclusion, alongside Akindele (Actors Branch) and Daniel (Actors Branch), highlighted Nollywood’s growing recognition on the world stage. The Academy’s 2022 class of 397 invitees, which included 71 Oscar nominees and 15 winners, underscored its commitment to diversity, a response to past criticisms like the #OscarsSoWhite movement. Egbe’s notable works, such as Iquo’s Journal and African Messiah, likely contributed to her selection, positioning her as a key figure in advancing Nigerian cinema. Her invitation followed other Nollywood stars like Genevieve Nnaji (2020) and Ramsey Nouah (2021), reflecting a trend of increasing African representation in the Academy.
Looking Ahead
Egbe’s membership grants her voting rights for the Oscars, influencing categories like Best Director and Best Picture. Her surprise at the honor, coupled with her gratitude—“I’m thankful I met the criteria and passed the scrutinies”—underscored the significance of this milestone. As Nollywood continues to gain global traction, Egbe’s role in the Academy positions her to advocate for African stories, potentially paving the way for future Oscar submissions from Nigeria. Her journey from aspiring filmmaker to Academy member serves as an inspiration for emerging talents in the industry.
