Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. and British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù have received invitations to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the prestigious organisation responsible for the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars.
The invitation comes after the global success of My Father’s Shadow, the critically acclaimed feature film from Fatherland Productions, the Lagos-based production company co-founded by Davies. Since its debut, the film has earned widespread international acclaim on the festival circuit, picked up several awards, including an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA), and has been recognised as one of the standout African films in recent years.
Being invited to join the Academy is considered one of the highest honours in the film industry. Academy members play a key role in voting for the Oscars while contributing to conversations that shape the future of global cinema.
The inclusion of Davies and Dìrísù also represents a significant moment for African storytelling. Their membership brings greater African and Nollywood representation within the Academy, ensuring that voices with a deeper understanding of the continent’s cultures, stories, and creative industries help influence international film recognition.
For Akinola Davies Jr. and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, the invitation marks another major career milestone while highlighting the growing global impact of African cinema.
