Nollywood is once again heading for the global stage as Nigeria has selected Dear Ajayi as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, popularly known as the 2027 Oscars. The announcement was made by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC), placing Damilola's Orimogunje's film on the country's Oscar campaign trail.
What Is Dear Ajayi About?
Directed and produced by Damilola Orimogunje, Dear Ajayi is a family drama set against the backdrop of 1990s Nigeria. The film follows two estranged sisters who are suddenly forced to live together while caring for their paralysed mother. Although they share the same family, years of resentment have created a deep divide between them.
As they deal with their mother's condition, the sisters are forced to confront painful parts of their past while navigating issues of family, responsibility, forgiveness and reconciliation. The movie features Bimbo Akintola, Uzoamaka Power, Tosin Adeyemi, Baaj Adebule and other actors.
A Strong Run Before The Oscar Selection
Dear Ajayi is not entering the Oscar race without recognition. The film previously picked up the Premio Enrico Fulchignoni at the 2026 Giornate degil Autori in Venice. It also received the Bisato d'Oro award for its ensemble cast and performances.
Those international recognitions have added to the attention surrounding the film as it now carries Nigeria's hopes into the academy Awars race.
But Is Dear Ajayi Already an Oscar Nominee?
Not yet.
Being selected by Nigeria means Dear Ajayi is the country's official submission for the International Feature Film category. It does not automatically mean the film has secured an Oscar nomination.
The Academy still has to review the submissions before the shortlist and eventual nominees are determined. According to the Academy's published schedule, the International Feature Film submissions deadline was September 30, 2026, while the shortlist is scheduled to be announced on December 15. Oscar nominations are expected to be announced on January 21, 2027.
Nigeria Returns to the Oscar Race
The selection is particularly significant because Nigeria did not submit a film for the 2026 Oscars. The country previously submitted Mai Martaba for the 2025 Oscars, while Mami Wata represented Nigeria at the 96th Academy Awards. The Milkmaid also made history in 2021 as the first Nigerian film accepted into the Academy's International Feature Film category, although it did not make the final shortlist.
With Dear Ajayi, Nigeria is once again hoping to make a strong impression on the international film scene.
What Happens Next?
The next major milestone will be the Academy's shortlist announcement in December. For now, Dear Ajayi has the responsibility of representing Nigeria in the International Feature Film race. Whether it eventually makes the shortlist-or goes all the way to Oscar nomination-remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Nollywood has another opportunity to put Nigerian storytelling in front of the world.
