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Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, has grown into a cinematic powerhouse, producing thousands of films each year and captivating audiences around the world.
While Hollywood remains the pinnacle of global film recognition with the prestigious Academy Awards, several Nollywood productions have demonstrated the kind of artistry, storytelling, acting, and technical quality that could easily compete for an Oscar. Here are five Nollywood movies that stand out and truly deserve an Oscar recognition.
1. The Milkmaid (2020)
Directed by Desmond Ovbiagele, The Milkmaid is a hauntingly beautiful film that explores the human cost of insurgency in Northern Nigeria.
The movie follows the journey of a Fulani milkmaid, Aisha, whose life is turned upside down after a Boko Haram-style insurgent group attacks her village.
With stunning cinematography, a deeply emotional narrative, and strong performances particularly from Anthonieta Kalunta the film captures the psychological trauma and resilience of women caught in conflict zones.
It was Nigeria’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Oscars and remains one of the most Oscar-worthy films to emerge from Nollywood in recent years.
2. Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) (2020)
Arie and Chuko Esiri’s Eyimofe is a masterclass in subtle, realistic storytelling. Set in Lagos, the film follows two characters, Mofe and Rosa, as they struggle to escape the hardships of Nigerian life and chase the dream of moving abroad.
With restrained performances, minimalistic yet powerful dialogue, and poignant social commentary, Eyimofe is reminiscent of European art-house cinema.
It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its cinematography and narrative structure qualities that certainly meet Oscar standards.
3. Anikulapo (2022)
Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo blends folklore, fantasy, and moral drama in a way that showcases the richness of Yoruba culture and tradition.
The film tells the story of a man brought back from the dead by a mystical bird, only for him to abuse the second chance at life.
The production design, costumes, and use of language make Anikulapo a visual and cultural feast. Afolayan’s direction and the film’s deep philosophical questions about power, betrayal, and destiny put it in the league of foreign-language Oscar nominees like Pan’s Labyrinth or Roma.
4. King of Boys (2018)
Kemi Adetiba’s political crime thriller King of Boys is a bold, gritty film that explores the dark underbelly of Nigerian politics.
Featuring a powerhouse performance by Sola Sobowale as the formidable Alhaja Eniola Salami, the film tackles themes of power, corruption, loyalty, and vengeance.
The narrative’s complexity, the high-stakes plot, and brilliant cinematography elevate it beyond just local entertainment. In terms of character development and emotional depth, King of Boys holds its ground against Hollywood dramas that have won the Best Picture category.
5. October 1 (2014)
Another gem from Kunle Afolayan, October 1 is a period thriller set in colonial Nigeria just before the country’s independence.
The film follows a Nigerian police officer investigating a series of murders in a small town. October 1 excels in its screenplay, acting, and historical detail. It offers a layered narrative that weaves together national identity, colonial tension, and trauma.
The film's production quality, thematic relevance, and cinematic vision are on par with Oscar-nominated historical dramas like The King’s Speech and The Imitation Game.
Nollywood is brimming with talent, and these five films represent just a fraction of the industry's potential to earn international acclaim.
While an Oscar win may still be a dream, the artistic merit and global appeal of these movies prove that the gap between Nollywood and the Oscars is narrowing by the year.
With increasing global interest, collaborations, and better production standards, it’s only a matter of time before Nollywood earns its long-overdue moment at the Academy Awards.
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