Three British-Nigerian film professionals have been invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), marking another milestone for Nigerian representation in global cinema.
According to Channels Television, filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and costume designer PC Williams are among the 529 artists and executives selected for the Academy’s 2026 membership class.
Academy membership is by invitation only and gives members the right to vote in future Academy Awards ceremonies, making it one of the film industry’s highest honours.
Announcing the new class, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the invitees had made “significant contributions to our global movie industry” through their commitment to filmmaking.
Success of My Father’s Shadow
The invitations follow the international success of My Father’s Shadow, Davies’ feature directorial debut starring Dìrísù.
The UK-Nigeria production became the first Nigerian film selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d’Or Special Mention. It later won the British Academy Film Awards award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Davies and his brother, Wale Davies.
Reacting to the invitation on Instagram, Davies described the honour as a defining career moment, saying it felt especially meaningful because it came through the short films that launched his career. He also encouraged emerging creatives to keep believing in themselves and continue creating despite industry challenges.
Dìrísù also celebrated the invitation, describing Academy membership as both an honour and a privilege. He said his career had been built with the support of many people and pledged to carry that community with him throughout his journey.
Williams, who was invited through the Costume Designers branch, also expressed her excitement on social media, describing her selection as an incredible experience and crediting the people who supported her along the way.
The three join a growing list of Nigerian Academy members that includes Mo Abudu, Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina and Ré Olunuga.
