By Ayo Onikoyi
The United States Mission in Nigeria has honoured veteran actor Olu Jacobs and seven other Nigerian creative industry leaders for their contributions to strengthening professional and commercial ties between Hollywood and Nollywood.
The recognition took place at an event organised by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos under the theme, “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood,” which brought together filmmakers, actors, government officials, industry stakeholders and alumni of U.S. government exchange programmes.
Jacobs, who died in 2024, received a posthumous Creative Industry Legend Award in recognition of his career spanning more than five decades across Nigerian theatre, television and film, as well as international cinema. His sons received the award on behalf of the family.
Presenting the award, U.S. Consul General Brandon Hudspeth described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, whose career helped shape the country’s film industry and strengthen connections between Nigerian and American screen industries.
“Olu Jacobs’ life embodied the kind of creative exchange that continues to connect Nigeria’s film industry with the United States and the world,” Hudspeth said.
Other honourees included Chioma Ude, founder and executive director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); actor Richard Mofe-Damijo; filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters; Zulu Oyibo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions; producer Josh Olaoluwa; and Emmy Award-winning visual development artist Uzoma Dunkwu.
The U.S. Consul General said Nollywood had become an increasingly important source of content, talent and investment opportunities for American companies seeking to expand their engagement with African markets.
He noted that Nigerian films and creative talents were reaching audiences in the United States and other parts of the world through streaming services and digital platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and YouTube.
According to him, the growing international reach of Nigerian content was creating opportunities for collaboration, investment and improved access to global markets.
Hudspeth also highlighted the role of U.S. government exchange programmes in fostering professional relationships and strengthening cooperation between Nigerian and American creative communities.
Programmes such as the American Film Showcase, Global Media Makers and the International Visitor Leadership Program have enabled Nigerian filmmakers and other creative professionals to engage with American producers, filmmakers, institutions and industry leaders.
“U.S. government exchange programmes are not simply about what happens during the exchange,” he 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.”
Among the recipients, Mofe-Damijo, Oyibo and Olaoluwa are alumni of U.S. government exchange programmes, while Afolayan and Austen-Peters participated in the American Film Showcase’s African Film and Television Leadership Initiative.
The event underscored efforts to deepen cooperation between Hollywood and Nollywood as Nigerian filmmakers, actors and producers expand their international presence and explore new opportunities for partnerships, distribution and investment.
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