The 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, has sparked excitement as the nominations roll in.
Leading the pack is Jacques Audiard’s daring musical Emilia Perez, securing an impressive 13 nominations. Despite its success, it’s hard to overlook the glaring absence of Nigeria’s Mai Martaba from the final nomination list for Best International Feature Film, a disappointing but familiar trend for Nollywood.
“Emilia Perez” Steals the Spotlight
Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical “Emilia Perez” centers on a ruthless Mexican drug lord transitioning into life as a woman. With 13 nominations, it’s no surprise this film has stolen the spotlight. Featuring a compelling narrative that combines crime, transformation, and powerful musical numbers, the film dominates key categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Other films making waves include the epic immigrant saga “The Brutalist” and the musical adaptation of “Wicked”, each bagging 10 nominations. These films reflect Hollywood’s evolving approach to storytelling.
International Features Shine, but Nollywood Misses Out
The International Feature Film category continues to showcase global brilliance with titles like “I’m Still Here” (Brazil) and “Emilia Perez” (France) making the cut. Sadly, Nigeria’s Mai Martaba didn’t make it past the entry phase, despite Nollywood being the third-largest film industry globally.
This raises questions about the Oscars’ criteria for excellence. Is it truly about quality, or does the international category favour certain cinematic styles? Nollywood has shown it can produce more than just volume. The industry needs to pivot toward narratives that resonate globally, without losing its cultural authenticity. As Nigerians often say, “By God’s grace, we’ll get there one day.”
Films with Big Nods
With eight or more nominations, the competition is fierce:
- “Emilia Perez” – 13 nominations
- “The Brutalist” – 10 nominations
- “Wicked” – 10 nominations
- “A Complete Unknown” – 8 nominations
- “Conclave” – 8 nominations
These films, representing diverse genres and themes, are a testament to Hollywood’s relentless quest for innovation. How much of this innovation truly reflects the world’s diversity?
Bottom Line
As the Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on cinematic excellence, even if the definition of excellence often result in debates. Films like “Emilia Perez” redefine boldness, but the lack of diversity in international representation leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, as industries like Nollywood continue to grow, the Oscars will evolve to celebrate a more inclusive definition of quality.
