The United States has honoured eight Nigerian creative industry leaders, including veteran actor Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, for their contributions to strengthening ties between Hollywood and Nollywood.
The honourees were recognised at a reception organised by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos on Wednesday, under the theme “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood”.
The event brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, government representatives and alumni of U.S. exchange programmes to celebrate creative collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking at the reception, U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth said Nollywood had become an important source of content, talent and investment opportunities for American companies seeking to expand their presence in African markets.
He noted that Nigerian films and stories were reaching international audiences through streaming and digital platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and YouTube, creating opportunities for partnerships, wider distribution and access to new markets.
Hudspeth also highlighted the role of U.S. government exchange initiatives, including the American Film Showcase, Global Media Makers and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), in developing professional relationships and encouraging collaboration across borders.
According to him, the impact of such programmes extends beyond the exchange itself, as participants return home to apply their experience, build creative partnerships and inspire emerging professionals.
“U.S. government exchange programs are not simply about what happens during the exchange,” Hudspeth said. “Their real impact is what happens when participants return home — the relationships they bring with them, the ideas they put into action, the creative collaborations they build, and the next generation they inspire.”
The emotional highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a posthumous Creative Industry Legend Award to Olu Jacobs, whose acting career spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Jacobs, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected screen and stage actors, also appeared in international productions, making his career an example of the cross-border movement of talent and storytelling.
His sons, Olugbenga and Olusoji Jacobs, received the award on behalf of the family.
Presenting the honour, Hudspeth said Jacobs’ life and career reflected the creative exchange connecting Nigeria’s film industry with the United States and the wider world.
The other seven honourees were Chioma Ude, founder and executive director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); Richard Mofe-Damijo, celebrated actor and IVLP alumnus; and Kunle Afolayan, award-winning filmmaker and American Film Showcase alumnus.
Also recognised were Bolanle Austen-Peters, filmmaker and theatre director who participated in the American Film Showcase; Zulu Oyibo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions and IVLP alumnus; Josh Olaoluwa, award-winning producer and Global Media Makers alumnus; and Uzoma Dunkwu, an Emmy Award-winning visual development artist.
The recognition comes amid growing international distribution of Nigerian films and increased opportunities for cooperation involving filmmakers, production companies, streaming platforms and creative professionals.
For Nollywood, stronger links with Hollywood could open doors to international financing, technical training, co-productions, wider distribution and access to new audiences. Such partnerships can also provide opportunities for Nigerian professionals to share local stories while participating in a global entertainment industry.
The Lagos reception highlighted the role of cultural exchange programmes and professional networks in connect ing creative industries. It also celebrated the contributions of Nigerian talents whose work has helped build relationships between filmmakers and industry stakeholders across borders.
