Two African films have secured five nominations at the 36th Gotham Film Awards, announced on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, the New York-based nonprofit organization supporting independent cinema. “Clarissa,” directed by Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri, received four nominations, tying for the highest number this year alongside “All of a Sudden,” “La Gradiva,” “The Invite” and “Tender Loving Care.” The Lagos-set reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs Dalloway” is nominated for Best Feature and Best Adapted Screenplay, the latter recognizing Chuko Esiri. Sophie Okonedo received an Outstanding Lead Performance nomination, while India Amarteifio is nominated for Breakthrough Performer. Distributed by NEON, “Clarissa” premiered in May 2026 at Directors’ Fortnight, the Cannes independent selection section. Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s debut feature, “Ben’Imana,” received a nomination for Best International Feature. The film, which examines reconciliation in Rwanda following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, won the Caméra d’Or for best first feature at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Rwanda selected it as the country’s first-ever submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The Gotham nominations add to the international recognition of both productions. Winners will be announced on Monday, 30 November 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. #GothamAwards2026 #AfricanCinema #Clarissa #BenImana