The Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC) has announced that Lionheart, the film of Nollywood actress turned director, Genevieve Nnaji’s, have won the country’s selection for popular international movie awards: Oscars.
According to the Nation, Lionheart was chosen as the movie selected by the board for consideration under the International Feature Film category of the Oscars in year 2020 because other film entries failed to meet the required benchmark.
In a statement, NOSC chairwoman Chineze Anyaene revealed that the committee was impressed to see filmmakers pay considerable attention to Oscar’s laid down criteria while acknowledging that the nation’s movie industry is ready to break new grounds in next year’s showpiece. She also predicts a more competitive selection over the coming years
She said: “While we cannot say that what we have are the best that Nigeria is capable of producing, it is heart-lifting to know that, from the strength of the entries received this year, we are truly ready for the Oscars. Filmmakers are gradually taking the Oscar rules into consideration, and I have no doubt that it is going to be more competitive, going
forward.”
Lionheart: What You Need To Know About NOSC Nominated Film
Lionheart is a 2018 Nigerian drama film produced by Chinny Onwugbenu and directed by Genevieve Nnaji. The movie is praised for its extravagant star cast, giving lead roles to a host of legendary Nollywood veterans like Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Onyeka Onwenu.
The movie also taps into the acting talents in the music industry to feature renounced music artists like Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno) and Peter Okoye (Mr. P)
On September 8, 2018, Lionheart was acquired by global streaming network, Netflix. The film also premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, and marked the directorial debut of Genevieve Nnaji.
