Veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch has ignited a storm of conversation online after publicly criticizing some of his colleagues for what he described as “laziness” and a lack of commitment to the craft of acting.
In a now-viral video, the acclaimed actor took aim at performers who consistently deliver the same appearance and energy in every role. He argued that this repetition is not just uninspired but dishonest to audiences and the profession itself.
“You have someone who calls himself an actor, and he has just one look in every film. I’m sorry, dude, you’re not a professional. You’re a fraud,” Branch said bluntly.
He underscored the importance of transformation in acting, citing global stars like Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Fassbender, and 50 Cent — all known for undergoing dramatic physical and emotional changes to authentically portray their characters. “Your body doesn’t belong to you. It belongs to the craft,” he emphasized.
The comments have sparked intense debate across the Nigerian film industry and among fans.
While many praised Branch’s passion for the art, hailing him as a true thespian — especially following his widely praised performance and transformation in Netflix’s House of Ga’a — others found his remarks too harsh and out of touch with the commercial realities of Nollywood.
Critics argued that Nollywood, like any film industry, is also a business — and for many actors, maintaining a consistent, marketable image is a strategic choice. As one online user put it, “If you focus only on the art and ignore what your audience wants, you’ll run yourself into the ground.”
The video has since reignited long-standing conversations about professionalism, creativity, and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial appeal in Nollywood.
Should actors fully transform for every role, or is it acceptable — even strategic — to maintain a familiar screen persona?
One thing is clear: Femi Branch has thrown down the gauntlet, and the spotlight is now firmly back on Nollywood’s evolving standards.
