Nollywood veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, has expressed excitement after he was invited alongside three other Nigerians, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Shola Dada and CJ Obasi, to join the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts, and Sciences, the parent body of the Oscars Award. The Academy made this announcement on Wednesday, with a list of 398 “distinguished artists and executives” joining the organization in 2023.

To become an Academy member, candidates must be sponsored by two existing members of the candidate’s prospective Academy branch. First-time nominees are given automatic membership consideration without sponsorship.

RMD welcomed the news as the nicest birthday present on his Instagram page, stating July, his birth month,  comes with perfection and plenty of gifts.

“I just kept seeing messages of congratulations but I didn’t know what to make of it. 

“My people did some digging and they confirmed it is on their official website. So, it’s official. Congratulations are in order!

“Best Birthday present comes early! July my birth month comes not only with perfection but plenty gifts!

“Ps, I don’t know my sponsors for this yet but when I do I will say thank you again. My heart is glad!”.