The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 529 new members, a move that will nearly double the size of the Oscar voting body compared to a decade ago. Among the notable figures invited are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi, and Simu Liu.
Should all invitees accept, the film academy’s total membership will reach 11,319, with 10,338 eligible to vote. This marks a significant expansion from 2016, when the academy comprised closer to 6,000 members. The organization has actively sought to diversify its ranks in recent years, particularly after the 2015 #OscarsSoWhite controversy, when all 20 acting nominees were white and the academy was 75% male and 92% white.
open image in galleryFollowing the induction of this year’s class, the academy’s composition will shift to 64% male and 75% white. The new cohort itself is 42% women, 56% from underrepresented communities, and 53% from countries outside the U.S., contributing to international voters now making up 22% of the group. The academy stated, “Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority.”
While recent classes have been more modest in size, with 534 voters added last year, the expansion continues. Other new members include Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, and Stephen Fry. Filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, “Weapons” director Zach Cregger, and “Sirât” filmmaker Oliver Laxe also received invitations.
In line with its growth, the academy has also introduced new categories to its annual awards. The first award for casting was presented earlier this year, and an Oscar for achievement in stunt design is slated for 2028. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 14, 2027, with Conan O’Brien set to host for the third consecutive year.