The Oscars 2025 celebrated diversity in a big way: all the stars are closer- yes to new heights and dreams. Historic wins marked the ceremony, with several firsts that promoted representation and inclusion.
– Paul Tazewell’s Achievement
Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.”
– Zoe Saldana’s Milestone
Zoe Saldana was recognised as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar for her role in Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez.”
– Latvian Film’s Triumph:
“Flow” from Latvia secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, marking the first time a film from the country has won an Academy Award.
These wins, along with others, showcased the diversity and global representation that the Oscars 2025 embodied.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that any African films or filmmakers took home an Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. However, there were several African films that vied for nominations in the Best International Feature Film category, including submissions from Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa, and Egypt.
Although no African films won in their respective categories, it’s worth noting that Paul Tazewell, an American costume designer of African descent, won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.”
African films made a significant presence at the 2025 Oscars, with nine countries submitting films for the Best International Feature Film category. Here are the African films that vied for the top spot:
– Algeria
Algiers by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab, a mystery thriller about a kidnapping in the Algerian capital.
– Cameroon
Kismet by Ngang Romanus, inspired by a true story about a Christian woman who falls in love with a Muslim man.
– Egypt
“Flight 404” by Mona Zaki, a film about a woman who must confront her troubled past to raise money for her mother’s emergency surgery.
– Kenya
“Nawi” by Apuu Mourine, Valentine Chelluget, Tobias Schmutzler, and Kevin Schmutzler, a story about a 13-year-old girl fighting for her education.
– Morocco:
Everybody Loves Touda by Nabil Ayouch, a film about a young singer with dreams of becoming a folk music star.
– Nigeria
Mai Martaba by Prince Daniel Aboki, a historical drama about a kingdom disrupted by internal power struggles.
– Senegal
“Dahomey” by Mati Diop, a film that explores the history of the Amazons of Dahomey and the need for restitution from former colonial powers.
–South Africa
“Old Righteous Blues” by Muneera Sallies, a romance-themed film that spotlights the cultural significance of Christmas choirs in the Western Cape.
– Tunisia
“Take My Breath” by Nada Mezni Hafaiedh, a film about a young intersex woman’s journey to self-discovery.
Two African films, “The Last Ranger” from South Africa and “Dahomey” from Senegal, made it to the next round of shortlisting for the 2025 Oscars.
