Nigerian producer and film maker Femi Odugbemi has been formally invited into the voting membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States of America. The academy organises and decides the nominations for the universally-acclaimed Oscars award for motion pictures. It is a world recognised movie-related organisaion, comprising more than 8000 accomplished men and women working in cinema. Academy membership is limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures. The academy has 17 branches ranging from actors, writers and two categories that involve members-at-large and associates to accommodate individuals who have no defined branches in motion picture. Elated Odugbemi shared the news of his invitation to the Oscars on his Instagram page @femiodugbemi on Monday. He wrote: “So today, I received a formal invitation to become a voting member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States. Honoured! #Oscars #Vote4bestfilm.” Odugbemi, who studied Film and Television at The Montana State University, scripted, directed and produced numerous documentaries, short films and drama. He produced Tinsel, a widely acclaimed soap opera that started airing in August 2008 and celebrated as successful drama on Nigerian television. Other African movie stars invited include Nigerian actresses and film producer Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Wunmi Mosaku and Ngozi Onwurah, and Kenyan film producer Wanuri Kahiu. The Academy announced a record-breaking 928 new members in an increased push for diversity.
