Oscars Induct RMD, Kunle Afolayan, and 2 Other Talented Nigerian Acts Into Their Academy: “Well Deserved”

Oscars Induct RMD, Kunle Afolayan, and 2 Other Talented Nigerian Acts Into Their Academy: “Well Deserved”

  • Nollywood icons Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) and  Kunle Afolayan have expressed joy as they got inducted into the Oscars academy 
  • The two icons made the list of 398 members alongside two great filmmakers in the country, C.J Obasi and Jade Osiberu 
  • This historic milestone further solidifies Nollywood's place on the global scene, as Nigerians took to social media to show excitement
  • Award-winning filmmaker and actor Sunny Okonkwo spoke on how this remarkable achievement will influence the Nigerian movie business

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Celebrated veterans Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Kunle Afolayan have been inducted into the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, responsible for the Oscars.

The two icons made the list in addition to the renowned filmmakers C.J Obasi and Jade Osiberu, who make up part of the 398 new members of the international body.

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Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Oscars, Kunle Afolayan
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Kunle Afolayan and 2 other Nigerians join Oscar Academy’s new members Credit: @mofedamijo, @oscars, @kunleafo
Source: Instagram

RMD took to social media to announce that it was a good birthday present as he set to add a new year in July.

He wrote: 

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"I just kept seeing the messages of congratulations but didn't know what to make of it.
My people did some digging and confirmed it is on their official website. So , it's official. Congratulations are in order! The best Birthday present come early! July my birth month comes not only with perfection but plenty gifts! Ps, I don't know my sponsors for this yet, but when I do I will say thank you again. My heart is glad!"

See his post below

Kunle Afolayan celebrates

Kunle Afolayan also took to Instagram to celebrate the international recognition.

In his words:

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"Another opportunity to serve. Shola Dada, the writer of Roti and Anikulapo, the movie and the forthcoming series, is also a new member. Thanks for the invitation".

Oscars endorsement serves as an unequivocal validation of the exceptional talent in Nollywood

Award-winning Nigerian film producer and actor Sunny Okonkwo in a conversation with Legit.ng's Chinasa Afigbo said the Oscars endorsement is a catalyst for innovation within Nollywood's cinematic landscape.

According to Sunny:

"The recent induction of esteemed Nollywood practitioners, including Kunle Afolayan, Richard Mofe Damijo, Jade Osiberu, Shola Dada, and CJ `Fiery` Obasi, into the distinguished Oscars Academy, is a watershed moment that is poised to have a transformative impact on both the actors and movies within Nigeria's thriving film industry.
"This recognition catapults them onto the international stage, elevating their status from regional stars to global icons. The endorsement opens doors to collaborations with renowned international filmmakers and performers, allowing Nollywood actors to showcase their versatile skills and contribute to a diverse range of international projects. This exposure not only bolsters their careers but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and enriches the global cinematic discourse."

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Not stopping there, he highlighted that:

"This newfound exposure not only amplifies box office revenues but also facilitates a deeper appreciation for the rich narratives, cultural nuances, and societal reflections that Nollywood movies encapsulate."

Oscars recognition stirs reactions online

Netizens were happy with the movie icons the international body chose as they looked towards Nollywood's recognition on the global stage.

See their comments below:

ur_favoriit_boy:

"E nor get who deserve am reach you Epa."

eddieazanami:

"This is the sweetest Karma to that circus organizer that said no submission last year congratulations Director @kunleafo."

whalesaviemore:

"It is long overdue. I have grown to know at least three faces here who have consistently refined their crafts over the years. The fourth is perhaps one of the brilliant professionals behind the scenes. Nollywood is beginning to take its rightful place in the global movie business. Congratulations to them!!!"

roseagbecha:

"Well deserved. You have paid your dues diligently."

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ayodeji_adeyanju01:

"You totally deserve it Sir. It's been a long time coming. Congratulations, Elder, Legend and Teacher of the Arts!!"

iyaeto:

"@kunleafo another feather added to the big kęmbę!! Congratulations ogbeni ."

AMVCA 2022: Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele, and 14 other ladies redefine glamour at event

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recalls reporting that Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Nancy Isime were amongst those who shone brightly on the red carpet on Saturday, May 14, 2022, for the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Other celebrities who showcased their high fashion sense at the show include Mercy Aigbe and Idia Aisien, among others.

Celebrated annually, this year’s event was held for eight days, with Saturday night as the grand finale and main show.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chinasa Afigbo avatar

Chinasa Afigbo (Editor) Chinasa Afigbo is a pop culture/music journalist and content writer with over four years of experience in other mainstream media organisations, including Vanguard Media and Guardian Life. She holds a degree in Information Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). She also moved on to pursue courses in writing & media communications. Chinasa has also been published in other Intl journals, like The African Report. Reach her at: chinasa.afigbo@corp.legit.ng.