The invitation to the two Nigerian film industry figures and 926 others, making the 2018 class the largest in the history of the academy, is in fulfilment of the promise to finally diversify the rank and file of the Academy of Motion Pictures.
Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde has said the decision to include African filmmakers and actors into the voting membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a sign Hollywood is ready to “move closer to African filmmakers.”
Reacting to her inclusion, the Nigerian star said she was “optimistic, and happy for Nigeria and Africa.”
“This is an olive branch stretched out to us, and I believe that they are trying to let us know that we are welcome and that they are looking forward to us coming in,” the actress said
Jalade-Ekeinde, 40, was invited to become a member of the Academy, which organizes the Oscars awards ceremony.
She is one of 928 artists and executives who will become voting members and will decide the Oscars nominations for motion pictures.
This year’s group of invitees is the largest and most diverse in the Academy’s history, which signals Hollywood’s seriousness to address the #OscarSoWhite controversies.
It includes professionals from 59 countries, almost half of whom are women, aligning with its aim of doubling the number of women and minority members by 2020.
