Nollywood filmmaker and box office sensation Funke Akindele has expressed her heartfelt gratitude after being recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most influential women in international film.
The 46-year-old actress and producer shared the exciting news on Instagram on Tuesday, posting a carousel of slides from the feature. The post included a summary of her accomplishments in Nollywood and highlighted her growing influence on the global film industry.
“I’m deeply honoured and truly grateful to be featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘The Most Influential Women in International Film,’” she wrote in the caption.
“To be recognized among 46 powerful, visionary women from around the world is more than a moment of celebration—it’s a call to keep building, creating boldly, and lifting others as we rise.”
Funke also congratulated media mogul Mo Abudu, who was also featured in the prestigious list.
“A heartfelt congratulations to Aunty MO @moabudu who has also been featured in this great piece. Thank you so much, Ma, for your invaluable contribution to the creative industry. It’s an honor to be featured alongside someone who has been such a powerful source of inspiration,” she added.
Funke has enjoyed massive success over the past year.
Her 2023 blockbuster A Tribe Called Judah became the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time.
She followed it up with Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024 (another blockbuster) and Finding Me earlier this year.
The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list highlights women whose work is shaping cinema beyond Hollywood, including producers, directors and writers from countries such as Nigeria, Brazil, France, South Korea and India.