KENYAN FILMMAKERS TONI KAMAU AND WANJIRU NJENDU JOIN OSCARS ACADEMY

Kenyan film producer Toni Kamau and director Wanjiru Njendu, have been selected as members of the 2020 class of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Academy has invited a total number of 819 artistes and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.

The excited Toni posted, “So excited to be invited to be a member of the @TheAcademy and grateful for the support from the global community of filmmakers that use stories to change the world to Kenyan members @judykibinge @wanuri @wanjirunjendu @Lupita_Nyongo and @RogerRossWill.”

While Wanjiru said, “I am sitting here crying because as of today I am beyond honored to say I am a new member of @TheAcademy opening the email 8 hours before my birthday. This little girl who came from Mombasa to be a director in Hollywood is a member of the academy!”

The 2020 class is 45 percent women, 36 percent underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 49 percent international from 68 countries. 

“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences.  We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy President David Rubin.

Some of the Hollywood figures on the list include Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina.