The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members across the globe, and Indian cinema is proudly represented this year. Among the list are veteran actor Kamal Haasan, Bollywood’s Ayushmann Khurrana, and acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia, known for her Cannes-winning work.
Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana Join Global Names
Actors Kamal Haasan (Vikram, Nayakan) and Ayushmann Khurrana (Article 15, Andhadhun) are now part of the global Academy family. This year’s list also includes international stars like Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Kieran Culkin, Sebastian Stan, and talk show hosts like Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel.
If accepted, Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana will join the Academy’s actors branch, participating in the Oscar nomination and voting process.
Strong Indian Representation Across Categories
India sees a broader representation beyond actors. Karan Mally (casting director), Ranabir Das (cinematographer), Maxima Basu (costume designer), Smriti Mundhra (documentary filmmaker), and sound designer PM Satheesh are also among the invitees. Writer-director Payal Kapadia was invited under the writers’ category, following global praise for All We Imagine as Light.
Executives like Ravi Ahuja and tech professionals such as Chaitanya Chinchlikar were included in other categories, highlighting the diversity of Indian contributions to global cinema.
What It Means to Be Invited
An Academy invitation allows members to vote in the Oscars, shaping the future of international cinema. According to Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, “We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy.”
If all 534 invitees accept, the Academy will reach 11,120 total members, with 10,143 eligible to vote.
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