Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart gets picked for Oscars by NOSC
Post created on October 3, 2019
Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Lionheart’ has been picked as the country’s submission to the International Feature Film category of the 2020 Oscars by the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC).
The NOSC announced the selection today, following a statutory vetting and subsequent voting of entries received from Nigerian filmmakers at home and in the Diaspora.
Lionheart premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired on September 7, 2018, as the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.
Produced by Chinny Onwugbenu, Chichi Nwoko, Genevieve Nnaji, and directed by Genevieve Nnaji, the film stars Pete Edochie, Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Chika Okpala, Kalu Ikeagwu, Sanni Mu’azu, Yakubu Mohammed, Ngozi Ezeonu, Peter Okoye (P-Square) and Chibuzor Azubuike (Phyno).
The movie was released worldwide on January 4, 2019, after a December 2018 theatrical release in Nigeria.
Lionheart, which is Nnaji’s directorial debut, tells the story of a young woman, Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), who becomes saddled with the responsibility of running her sick father’s business under the suffocating supervision of an uncle, played by Nkem Owoh. Adaeze’s competing business instincts and family obligations become a catalyst for drastic change not everyone is ready to embrace.
Since the inauguration of the NOSC in 2014, this is the first time Nigeria is advancing a film to the Oscar, as previous entries received by the committee did not meet basic criteria.
Among the films received this year, the NOSC said it picked Lionheart for its considerable shots at the rules.
Genevieve reacts to her Lionheart Oscars’ nomination
The actress, who could not hide her joy, took to her Instagram page to react to the nomination and also appreciates her fans for their wonderful support.
“The Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee has chosen @lionheartthemovie to represent Nigeria for the 2020 Academy Award for Best International Film!
“This is the first entry ever for Nigeria. It’s an honour to be a part of such a pivotal moment in the history of Nigerian cinema.
“A moment we know will be replicated as our stories continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
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