Acclaimed director Akinola Davies Jr. and actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation behind the Oscars.
Dìrísù received an invitation through the Actors branch, with the Academy citing My Father’s Shadow and His House as his qualifying credits. Davies Jr. was invited through the Short Films branch, with Lizard and Contactless listed instead of his debut feature work.
The two recently collaborated on My Father’s Shadow, the Fatherland Productions feature directed by Davies Jr. and starring Dìrísù. The film has gone on to earn international recognition at Cannes, the BAFTAs, and the AMVCAs, positioning it among the most celebrated African films in recent years.
Beyond prestige, Academy membership gives members voting rights for the Oscars and influence in wider conversations around cinematic excellence. The inclusion of Davies Jr. and Dìrísù reflects the growing visibility of African cinema within the Academy’s voting body.
They join other African and Nigerian members including Jade Osiberu, Akin Omotoso, C. J. Obasi, Tunde Kelani, Femi Odugbemi, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mo Abudu, and Genevieve Nnaji.
Davies Jr. and Dìrísù are part of the Academy’s 2026 invitee class of 529 people, slightly lower than the 534 invited in 2025. According to the Academy, the new class includes 95 Oscar nominees, 21 winners, and three recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards.
If all invitees accept membership, the Academy’s total membership, including emeritus members, would rise to 11,319, with 10,338 eligible to vote. The new class would also bring the organisation’s composition to 36% women, 25% from underrepresented communities, and 22% international members.
Other invitees this year include actors Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Jenna Ortega, Julia Garner, Mia Goth, and Josh O’Connor, alongside directors, writers, and songwriters from across Hollywood and international cinema.
