Showbiz
Nigeria Picks Damilola Orimogunje’s ‘Dear Ajayi’ for 2027 Oscars Consideration
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has selected the film Dear Ajayi by Damilola Orimogunje as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards, putting the family drama in contention for the 2027 Oscars.
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee announced the decision after reviewing films submitted between August 1 and 31, 2026.
The selection gives Dear Ajayi Nigeria’s submission slot, subject to the Academy’s eligibility checks and voting process.
It also marks Nigeria’s return to the category after the committee declined to submit a film for the 2026 Oscars.
Nigeria had previously selected the Hausa-language film Mai Martaba for the 2025 Academy Awards.
Written and directed by Mr Orimogunje, Dear Ajayi follows two estranged sisters, one with a strong Christian faith and the other a defiant aspiring singer, whose mother’s illness forces them to live together. Set in southwestern Nigeria in the 1990s, the film explores family responsibilities, personal ambitions and unresolved resentment.
The ensemble includes Bimbo Akintola, who plays Ade; Tosin Adeyemi portrays Titi, while Lanre Hassan plays their paralysed mother. The film features Yoruba, English and Igbo dialogue, which fits the criteria.
The Nigeria-Germany production also competed at the 2026 Giornate degli Autori, an independent programme held alongside the Venice International Film Festival. Its production partners include Nigeria’s 2o9ine Films, Depth and Optics Productions and Zynox Productions, alongside Germany’s Mayana Films.
Committee chairperson Stephanie Linus congratulated the filmmakers on their selection and wished the team success in the next stage of the process.
The committee’s selection does not constitute an Oscar nomination, as the Academy will determine eligibility and conduct the voting process.
Preliminary voting is scheduled for December 7 to 11, 2026, with the shortlist expected on December 15.
Nomination voting will be held from January 11 to 15, 2027, while the nominees will be announced on January 21.
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 14, 2027.
