Nigerian twin directors Arie and Chuko Esiri‘s new film, “Clarissa”, a Lagos-set adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel “Mrs Dalloway”, made its world premiere on May 16 in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight section, and the film has received strong reviews from critics Cannes. Shot entirely on 35mm film, was led by Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo, the film marks one of the most prominent Nigerian entries at this year’s festival.

The story follows “Clarissa”, a wealthy Lagos high-society matriarch, as she spends a single day preparing to host a party at her waterfront home. As guests from her past begin to reappear, old memories, buried feelings, and unfinished stories come rushing back. The Esiri’s have taken Woolf’s themes of class, regret, and social performance and replanted them squarely in modern Nigeria.

The adaption places greater emphasis on class divisions and Nigerian’s political tensions. A crooked mosaic of Nigeria hangs on a wall throughout the film, with characters constantly trying to straighten it but never quite managing. The Big Ben clock chimes that run through Woolf’s original are replaced here by Islamic prayers over loudspeakers.

Photo: Instagram

Sophie Okonedo plays the present-day “Clarissa”, with David Oyelowo as her old friend and former admirer Peter. India Amarteifio of “Bridgerton” plays young “Clarissa”, Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear” takes on young Sally, Toheeb Jimoh of “Ted Lasso” plays young Peter, and Nikki Amuka-Bird appears as the present-day Sally. Fortune Nwafor plays Septimus, a soldier returning from fighting Boko Haram in the north. The screenplay was written by Chuko Esiri. US studio Neon, known for backing major Cannes titles, acquired the film back in November 2025 before it even reached Cannes.

The reviews coming out of the festival have been strongly positive across the board. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw gave it four stars, calling it a seductively mysterious, mesmeric drama with commanding performances. Variety’s Jessica Kiang headlined her review “Sophie Okonedo Illuminates a Quietly Dazzling Nigerian Reinterpretation of Mrs Dalloway.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye called it a quiet revelation, and RogerEbert.com critic Brian Tallerico declared it one of the better films he expects to see this year. The film also received a standing ovation at its Directors’ Fortnight screening.

Photo: Instagram

For Nigerian cinema, the film represents a significant Cannes breakthrough. The Esiri brothers have taken Nigerian stories, Nigerian faces, and a very Nigerian reality to one of the most watched film festivals in the world. With Neon already behind it and the international press firmly on board, “Clarissa” is not just a festival win. It is proof that when Nigerian filmmakers are given the space and resources to tell their stories fully, the world will show up to watch.

Nigerian actress and fashion influencer Temi Otedola (now Temi Ajibade) and her Afrobeats superstar husband, Mr Eazi, officially announced they are expecting their first child in a collaborative Instagram post on May 21, 2026. 

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola

The couple, who completed their three-country wedding celebration in Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland last year, first met at a music gig in 2018 before four years of dating led to Mr Eazi’s proposal in April 2022. The pregnancy marks a new milestone in their relationship.

The news followed a series of black-and-white photos posted by Temi with a caption: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.”

The couple wore a matching white two-piece set for the shoot, and in the first photo, Mr Eazi stood behind her, gently lifting her chin while she leaned against him, revealing her baby bump. 

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola

Subsequent images are in full colour, clearly showing Temi’s outfit. Her two-piece set featured a sleeveless white tie-front vest top designed with an open center to reveal her growing bump, paired with a matching flowing maxi-length skirt. She layered the outfit with a grey knit cardigan draped off her shoulders. She wore thigh-high knit socks underneath her cowboy-inspired leather boots. Her hair was styled in an auburn low bun with face-framing waves.

This announcement brings a satisfying conclusion to months of online rumors of her pregnancy. Back in January 2026, an unverified post by an influencer on X ( formerly Twitter) shared an AI-generated image of Temi with a baby girl, claiming the couple had quietly welcomed their child. Mr Eazi dismissed the rumor with a sarcastic response: “Is Temi aware of this?” 

Photo: Instagram/@temiotedola

The announcement has been met with warm reactions from family, friends and industry colleagues. DJ Cuppy took to X to share the news, writing in her caption: “My sister is pregnant. I am going to be an auntyyyy.”

Cynthia Erivo received a royal honour for her contributions to musical arts on May 19, 2026, where she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The award was presented to her by Prince William.

When the honor was first announced at the end of 2025, Erivo spoke about the news in a statement. She said “To be given this recognition to celebrate the work that I love to do within the arts, specifically music and drama, is an honor I could never have thought would happen. I hope it shows that I care deeply about the work and will continue to do so to the best of my abilities.”

Photo: Getty Images

For the ceremony, she wore a black Givenchy outfit by Sarah Burton, featuring a structured blazer with heavily padded shoulders and a peplum-style hem, paired with a pleated skirt. The look was styled with a cap and silver jewelry.

Erivo has won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony, alongside multiple Oscar nominations. She became widely known for her role in “The Color Purple” in 2015, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. She has continued to receive major industry recognition, including a second Grammy for her performance of “Defying Gravity” alongside Ariana Grande from the Wicked soundtrack.

Photo: Getty Images

This is not her first connection with the royal family. Erivo was among a group of alumni who welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in May 2024 as part of the school’s 120th anniversary celebration.

Photo: Getty Images

The MBE is one of the United Kingdom’s recognized honours, awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions in areas such as the arts, science, public service, and charitable work. Erivo was not the only recipient at Windsor Castle. Matt Lucas and Luke Littler were also presented with an award by Prince William during the ceremony.