The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its annual invitations to new members, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures. Among the 529 invitees are 95 Oscar nominees and 21 winners, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to honoring excellence in filmmaking.
This year’s class includes a diverse range of artists and professionals from various branches of the film industry. The Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Lynette Howell Taylor, expressed their delight in welcoming this remarkable group, highlighting their significant contributions to the global movie industry.
The 2026 Invitees: A Diverse and Talented Group
The 2026 invitees represent a broad spectrum of talent and expertise. Among the notable names are actors Jacob ElordiTeyana Taylor and Josh Safdie as well as directors Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Tig Notaro. The list also includes winners from various categories, such as the directors of the animated feature KPop Demon HuntersMaggie Kang and Chris Appelhans and the winners of the Best Song award for GoldenEJAE and Mark Sonnenblick.
Other well-known figures joining the Academy for the first time include Jenna OrtegaBenny SafdieZach CreggerMathieu AmalricJemaine ClementJon BernthalSuzy Eddie IzzardJenny SlateStephen FryJosh GadJulia GarnerMia GothSimu LiuAnthony RamosBill Skarsgård and new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro.
Commitment to Representation and Inclusion
The Academy’s membership selection process is based on professional qualifications, with a strong emphasis on representation, inclusion, and equity. Of the 2026 invited class, 42% are women, 56% belong to underrepresented communities, and 53% are from 60 countries and territories outside the United States. These new additions will bring the total number of members to 11,319 and the number of voting members to 10,338, further diversifying the Academy’s demographic makeup.
The Academy’s commitment to diversity is evident in the demographic breakdown of its members. With these new additions, the Academy is now 36% women, 25% from underrepresented communities, and 22% international. This reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its membership represents the global film community.
The Impact of New Members on the Film Industry
The inclusion of these new members is expected to have a significant impact on the film industry. Their diverse perspectives and expertise will contribute to the Academy’s decision-making processes, particularly in the selection of Oscar nominees and winners. The new members will also bring fresh ideas and innovations to the table, helping to shape the future of cinema.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the Academy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion will be crucial in ensuring that it remains relevant and representative of the global film community. The 2026 invitees, with their impressive credentials and diverse backgrounds, are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the Academy and the film industry as a whole.
