The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially invited 529 artists, filmmakers and industry professionals to become members of its prestigious organization, marking another significant expansion of the voting body that determines future Oscar winners. According to the Academy, those who accept the invitation will join the organization responsible for voting across the Academy Awards process, from nominations to selecting Oscar winners. The latest class reflects the Academy’s continuing effort to broaden its membership by recognizing established talent, emerging voices and influential industry leaders from around the world.
The 2026 invitation list features notable representation from India. Actor Richa Chadha and acclaimed performer Tilottama Shome have both been invited to join the Actors Branch. National Award winning filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has received an invitation to the Directors Branch, while internationally acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia has also been invited through the Directors Branch following the global success of All We Imagine as Light. Screenwriter Nikhil Mehrotra has been invited to the Writers Branch and cinematographer Ranabir Das joins the Cinematographers Branch, reflecting the Academy’s continued recognition of Indian talent across multiple creative disciplines.
Among the other invitees this year are actors Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Jon Bernthal, Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Julia Garner, Simu Liu, Mia Goth, Jenny Slate, Anthony Ramos and Josh Gad. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has also received an invitation, highlighting the Academy’s recognition of influential executives within the global entertainment industry.
The Academy said this year’s class includes 95 Oscar nominees, 21 Academy Award winners and three recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Membership is granted through invitations extended by the Academy after recommendations from its branches and approval by the Board of Governors. Oscar nominees are automatically considered for membership in the year they receive their nomination.
If every invitation is accepted, the Academy’s membership will grow to 11,319 members, including 10,338 voting members. The organization has significantly expanded and diversified its voting body over the past decade following industry wide calls for greater global representation and inclusivity.
According to figures released by the Academy, 42 percent of this year’s invitees are women, 56 percent belong to underrepresented communities and 53 percent reside outside the United States. If all invitees accept, the Academy’s overall membership would comprise 36 percent women, 25 percent from underrepresented communities and 22 percent international members.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said they were delighted to welcome another exceptional class of artists and professionals whose contributions continue to shape cinema around the world.
The newly invited members will become eligible to participate in future Academy Awards voting after accepting their invitations, giving them a direct role in determining the nominees and winners for upcoming Oscar ceremonies. The announcement reinforces the Academy’s ongoing push to build a more globally representative voting body while acknowledging excellence across every facet of filmmaking.