“I’ve never received any significant award as an actor” – Deyemi Okanlawon
Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Deyemi Okanlawon, expressed his sentiment regarding the lack of significant awards bestowed upon him despite his substantial tenure in the Nigerian film industry.
Okanlawon highlighted that despite the absence of recognition from the country’s award bodies, he remains self-motivated and focused on personal growth.
Speaking in a recent interview with Hip TV, the seasoned actor emphasized that while he would appreciate receiving an award, he refuses to allow it to define his self-worth.
The actor asserted that if he were easily offended by such matters, he would dwell on his lack of notable accolades. Instead, he chooses to celebrate his achievements and acknowledge his efforts, affirming that he can confidently commend himself in the mirror.
Furthermore, Okanlawon emphasized the importance of embracing compliments and learning to appreciate them rather than disregarding them.
Okanlawon said:
“I have never won any of the serious awards in Nigeria. I have been around [in the entertainment industry] for long enough that if I were the type of person to feel a certain way, I would have been like, ‘Why had I not been awarded this or that?’
The truth is, I can look into my mirror and congratulate myself. I have done this all my life. And if recognition or validation comes from somewhere else, I will take it graciously. In fact, I had to learn to take compliments instead of deflecting them. Validation shouldn’t define you. If anything, my presence should validate an award, not the other way round.”
