British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and costume designer PC Williams have been invited to join the Academy’s 2026 membership class, placing them among 529 artists and film executives selected worldwide.
Membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is by invitation only and gives recipients voting rights for the Academy Awards, widely regarded as one of the film industry’s highest honours.
Announcing the new class, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the invitees were recognised for making significant contributions to the global film industry through their dedication to the art of filmmaking.
The recognition comes after the international success of My Father’s Shadow, Davies’ feature directorial debut, which stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in the lead role.
The UK-Nigeria co-production made history as the first Nigerian film selected for the official programme at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d’Or Special Mention. The film also earned Davies and his brother, Wale Davies, the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
Reacting to the invitation on Instagram, Davies described the recognition as a defining moment in his career, noting that it carried special meaning because it followed years of creating short films.
“There are moments in this work that stop you still. Being invited into the Academy is one of them. Knowing it came through the short films makes it hit different,” he wrote, while encouraging emerging filmmakers to keep believing in their craft.
Dìrísù also welcomed the honour, saying Academy membership is a privilege that goes beyond personal achievement.
“Being invited to be a member of the Academy is an honour and a privilege I can’t fully describe. My career took a village, and I’ll continue to take this village with me wherever the journey leads,” he said.
Costume designer PC Williams, who joins the Academy’s Costume Designers branch, also celebrated the milestone, writing on social media: “OMG what a ride, Academy Class of 2026. It takes a village.”
The trio joins a growing list of Nigerian Academy members, including Mo Abudu, Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bunmi Ademilola Fashina and Ré Olunuga.
