The United States Consulate General in Lagos has posthumously honoured veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs with a Creative Industry Legend Award, alongside seven other Nigerian creative industry leaders for their contributions to strengthening professional and commercial ties between Hollywood and Nollywood.
The recognition took place at a creative industries reception themed “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood,” which brought together actors, filmmakers, producers, government officials and alumni of US government exchange programmes.
Jacobs’ sons, Olugbenga and Olusoji Jacobs, received the award on behalf of their family in recognition of the late actor’s career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Presenting the honour, US Consul General Brandon Hudspeth described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, noting that his work helped shape the country’s film industry and strengthen connections between Nigerian cinema and international entertainment.
“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 recipients included actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, producer and director Bolanle Austen-Peters, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) founder Chioma Ude, Inkblot Productions co-founder Zulumoke “Zulu” Oyibo, producer Josh Olaoluwa and Emmy Award-winning visual development artist Uzoma Dunkwu.
The recognition highlighted contributions across different areas of the creative industry, including acting, filmmaking, production, animation and film festival organisation.
According to reports on the event, Mofe-Damijo and Oyibo were recognised as alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program, while Olaoluwa participated in the Global Media Makers programme. Afolayan and Austen-Peters were also identified as alumni of the American Film Showcase’s African Film and Television Leadership Initiative.
Hudspeth said Nollywood had become an increasingly important source of creative content, talent and investment opportunities for American companies seeking to expand their engagement with African markets.
He also highlighted the role of international exchange programmes in building professional relationships and encouraging collaborations between Nigerian and American creatives.
The reception underscored the growing connections between the two film industries, particularly through streaming platforms, international production partnerships and opportunities for investment.
Jacobs, popularly known as the “Lion of Lufodo,” died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His career included work in British theatre and television, international film productions and Nigerian cinema.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors. His achievements included winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and receiving the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs also co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to film production and professional training in Nigeria.
His posthumous recognition comes after colleagues, friends and family members gathered in Lagos for a Night of Tributes in his honour earlier in October.
The latest award adds to the recognition of Jacobs’ contributions to Nigerian theatre, television and film, while the honour bestowed on the other recipients highlights the range of creative professionals contributing to international collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.