The Nigeria Oscars selection committee has disqualified Kunle Afolayan’s newly released movie, ‘Anikulapo’ from the nomination list of the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars.
While announcing the development on social media, the Nigerian actor and producer also expressed his disappointment.
Kunle Afolayan said, “I am so pleased and delighted that the whole world has decided to tag ANIKULAPO film “a masterpiece “even though the Nigeria Oscar selection committee think it’s not worth submitting for the Oscars. Will keep doing my own thing”.
Despite the global reception that Anikulapo has received since its release, the Academy Awards does not deem it worthy to make its nomination list.
Last month, Nigeria’s Oscar Selection Committee announced they had received three Yoruba-language submissions: Aníkúlápó, Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman and King of Thieves.
The selection committee ruled that the movies would not enter the competition as a majority of members voted that all three films were “non-eligible.
Afolayan had partnered with Netflix, and the movie was produced and shot by Jonathan Kovel at the recently launched KAP resort in a village in Oyo State.
Oscars awards are the Academy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the American and international film industry.
The award is regarded as the most prestigious and significant achievement in the entertainment industry worldwide.
The news has since upset many Nigerians and even global fans.
@Oginni_olu; Kunle built a whole village for the movie. Used best actors, the storyline was straight and clean.. yet wasn’t considered Oscar-worthy? Haba… what are the criteria really?
@Theresthat_; This is huge! You don’t need any committee’s validation or recognition. You did great work and viewers around the world love it thoroughly. That’s the real recognition. That’s all that matters! It’s my film of the year and I don’t even understand Yoruba.