Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has expressed optimism over the one-week extension given to the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to submit a film for the 2023 Oscars.
A letter by the Academy dated October 14 addressed to the NOSC chairperson Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi and co-chairperson Mahmood Ali-Balogun seen by Qed.ng granted the one-week extension which expires on October 21.
Biyi Bandele’s Eleshin Oba: The King’s Horseman, Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo and Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves made it to the final for selection for the 2023 Oscars.
The NOSC, however, announced in September that no film will be submitted for the Oscars after five of its 15 members voted for Elesin Oba and one member each for Anikulapo and King of Thieves.
Reacting to the extension in a Twitter post on Monday, an optimistic Kunle wrote: “It’s just been confirmed that The Academy “OSCARS” have given the Nigerian Oscars selection committee a week extension to revote and re-present a film to represent Nigeria by October 21st latest. God’s hand is in this one I believe! Anikulapo on my mind.”
“Thank you guys for the support so far. God hand dey this one. Anikulapo: Fingers crossed,” the 48-year-old added on Instagram.
