Nigeria Chooses ‘Dear Ajayi’ for 2027 Academy Awards

Nigeria has officially selected the film Dear Ajayi as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This announcement was made by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee after reviewing various submissions.

According to a report from Arise News, Dear Ajayi will now move on to the next phase of the Oscars process, where it will be evaluated alongside films from other countries. However, being selected does not guarantee that the film will receive an Oscar nomination. It must first pass through the Academy’s review process.

Stephanie Linus, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee, expressed her congratulations to the filmmakers and shared her hopes for the film’s success in the upcoming stages. She stated, “We congratulate the filmmakers behind Dear Ajayi on their selection and wish the team every success.”

Dear Ajayi is a period drama set in the 1990s in southwestern Nigeria. The story revolves around two sisters, Ade and Titi Ajayi, whose lives diverge. Their relationship is tested when their sick mother moves in with them, forcing the sisters to confront past grievances and the choices that have influenced their lives.

The 99th Academy Awards will evaluate films from around the world for the Best International Feature Film category. Nigeria’s submission will undergo further scrutiny by the Academy before the final nominees are announced.