NFVCB Boss Insists Films Must Meet Global Standards to Clinch Oscars Spot
The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has emphasized that Nigerian films must align with global industry standards before they can stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Husseini explained that while Nollywood has made significant strides in creativity and production quality, there are still critical gaps that must be bridged to meet the strict requirements of the prestigious award.
He noted that the Oscars have clear entry rules, including international technical standards, thematic depth, subtitling accuracy, and global distribution considerations. According to him, Nigerian filmmakers often focus on local appeal without sufficiently aligning their works to the global benchmarks set by the Academy.
“For a Nigerian film to make it to the Oscars, it must not only reflect our stories authentically but also meet the technical and narrative standards recognized internationally. The Oscars are not sentimental; they are professional, and only films that meet the set criteria will be considered,” Husseini stated.
The NFVCB boss added that the Board is committed to working with industry stakeholders to strengthen capacity-building, encourage international collaborations, and ensure that Nigerian entries in global competitions are of the highest quality.
Husseini also urged filmmakers to invest in script development, sound design, and post-production excellence, stressing that these often determine whether a film can be considered for international recognition.
Nigeria has submitted entries to the Oscars in previous years, but none has yet secured a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. Husseini said with greater focus on standards and strategic support, Nollywood can achieve this milestone.
