The US Mission in Nigeria has honoured veteran actor Olu Jacobs and seven Nigerian creative leaders at a reception in Lagos, focused on Hollywood-Nollywood ties.
The mission said Nollywood’s growing role as a commercial partner for Hollywood has opened new routes for Nigerian talent, stories and investment.
The “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood” event took place at the US Consulate General in Lagos on October 14, 2026. It brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, industry supporters and exchange-programme alumni. 
Jacobs received a posthumous Creative Industry Legend Award for a career of more than five decades. His sons, Olugbenga and Olusoji Jacobs, accepted the honour for the family.
The late actor built a career at the international cinemas before coming back home and performed across Nigerian theatre, television and film. US Consul General Brandon Hudspeth described him as a celebrated Nigerian actor whose work helped connect the two industries.
The seven other honourees were Chioma Ude, founder and executive director of the Africa International Film Festival; actor Richard Mofe-Damijo; filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters. Others are Zulu Oyibo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions; producer Josh Olaoluwa; and Emmy-winning visual development artist Uzoma Dunkwu.
Several honourees joined US exchange initiatives, including the American Film Showcase, Global Media Makers and the International Visitor Leadership Program.
Hudspeth said those programmes create professional networks that outlast the exchanges. He also pointed to Nollywood’s growing content, talent and investment opportunities for US companies.
Nigerian stories and performers reach audiences through platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and YouTube, he said.
The reception highlighted growing commercial and creative links between the industries. It also recognised Nigerian professionals expanding those links through film, television, festivals and visual storytelling.
The honour for Jacobs added a reflective note, while recognition of the seven living creatives underscored Nigeria’s continuing contribution to cross-border collaboration.
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