Renowned Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, discussed his extensive experience in the movie industry in a recent interview with Hip TV.
Despite his notable contributions, Okanlawon revealed that he has yet to receive significant awards.
In the conversation, he shared insights into his creative process and how he draws inspiration without relying on external validation, particularly from award ceremonies. Despite the lack of recognition from industry awards, Okanlawon emphasized his unwavering focus and his inclination towards self-encouragement.
While expressing his openness to receiving awards, Okanlawon made it clear that he refuses to let external validation shape his identity.
In his words;
“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.”