The Academy disqualifies 'Lionheart', Nigeria's first-ever entry for best international film

According to the actress, the film represents how Nigerians communicate and the country should be able to compete for an Oscar in its official language — English.

Reacting to the news, the Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) in a statement said it will only submit films with non-English dialogue in the future for consideration by the academy.

"Lionheart passed on other technical requirements from the story, to sound and picture except for language as adjudged by the Academy screening matrix, which was a challenge for the committee at a time. This is an eye-opener and steps forward into growing a better industry," said NOSC chairman Chineze Anyaene in the statement.

The 12-member committee was put together to select Nigeria's entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards set for February 9, 2020.

Award-winning filmmaker Ava DurVernay joined others on social media to express their disappointment in the film's disqualification.