Nigerians top African Oscars nominees list

The popular Warner Theatre, Washington DC will be shaken to its foundation in what promoters call the African award show of all times. With a few months to go, plans are on to hold the third edition of the Nollywood African Film Critics Award (NAFCA), otherwise called the African Oscars. Dr. Victor O. Olatoye, President and CEO of NAFCA, said judging from the flurry of African stars, blockbuster movies and filmmakers that make the nomination list, the competition this year, is undoubtedly tough.

He revealed that the jury members are already at work in decided the films and actors that will come tops in each category, and that winners will be announced live on September 14th at a red-carpet event, taking place at the legendary Warner Theatre.

Warner Theater, it would be noted is a venue for prestigious events in America and home to The BET Honors ceremony which holds annually. Olatoye is excited that the 3rd edition of NAFCA will become history in several fronts. According to the CEO of the award show: “This is history in the making as this is the first African film award to be held at this legendary American Theater. This year’s award will be our biggest to date and with long list of VIP guests from all works of life to grace this historic occasion, including A list African movie stars, Hollywood, Ambassadors, political figures, musicians, dignitaries and over 1500 Nollywood fans from across the globe” Our guest will witness the honoring of noble men and women of Africa as we present them with the coveted golden NAFCA trophies. Warner Theatre seats about 1900 people and we are just as excited as the people at the Warner Theater and it is an honor to become part of the Warner Brothers history. This venue reflects the vision Nollywood and African Film Critics’ Awards also known as the African Oscars has for the African Cinema. Looking back at the first award in 2011 at a hotel ballroom to Carolina Theater, now we are going to Warner Theater, it is fair to say “We have come a long way baby”

This year’s award, he said, promises to be the biggest ever and will be graced by African dignitaries, diplomats and business leaders.

The recently released nominees list shows that Nigerian films and acts are ahead of their counterparts in Africa.

Nominated in eight categories, including Best Film, Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Best Editing Best Actress in leading role is Beverly Naya and Best Director in a Film is Charles Novia through his 2012 comic flick, Alan Poza.

With an equally impressive outing is Turning Point a film by Niyi Towolawi which also bags nominations in eight categories including Best Sound, Best Drama Diaspora Film, Best Screenplay Diaspora Film, Best Cinematography Diaspora Film, Best Actor in leading role Diaspora Film (Igoni Archibong), Best Actress in leading role Diaspora (Jackie Appiah), Best Actor in Supporting role Diaspora Film (Ernie Hudson), Best Actress in supporting role Diaspora Film (KD Hubert)

To spice up the evening, Olatoye revealed that there will be a celebration of African cinema heritage where special recognition would be presented to deserving veterans in the industry. Established in 2011 by NAFCA to grace the lives and achievements of African luminaries, Olatoye said that the honorary awards aims at recognising the overall career contributions and achievements, rather than a single contributions of an individual.

Among those billed for the Lifetime Achievement Awards is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Image Awards, according to the organizer will also go to the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, Amobi Okoye – Humanitarian (USA), Curtis Jackson – Humanitarian (USA) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

 

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