Being included in the membership of the Academy Awards (Oscars), one of the world's most prestigious award ceremonies, is a matter of pride for any artist.
Oscars: A proud moment has emerged for Indian cinema. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan and versatile artist Ayushmann Khurrana have been invited to become members of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars Academy) this year. This means that these two artists will not only represent Indian cinema but will also be able to play a significant role in voting for the Oscar awards.
According to the official statement released on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a total of 534 new people have been invited for membership to The Academy this time. Several names from India are included in these 534 members, including casting director Karan Mali, cinematographer Ranveer Das, costume designer Maxima Basu, documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundra, and director Payal Kapadia, along with Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana.
This is considered a great honor for Indian cinema because getting membership to The Academy is not just about popularity but also a symbol of global recognition for contributions to cinema.
Hollywood stars will also be included
This year, among the international faces who have been invited to join the Oscar Academy, many famous Hollywood stars are also included. These include big names like Ariana Grande, Sebastian Stan, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Strong, Aubrey Plaza, Margaret Qualley, Mike Fest, Monica Barbaro, and Gillian Anderson. If all 534 new members accept their invitations, the total number of Academy members will increase to 11,120, of which 10,143 members will be eligible to participate in the voting.
- Actress singer Ariana Grande
- Actor Sebastian Stan
- Actor Jeremy Strong
- Actor Jason Momoa
- Actress Aubrey Plaza
- Actress Margaret Qualley
- Actor Mike Fest
- Actress Monica Barbaro
- Actress Gillian Anderson
Why is Oscar Academy membership special?
The Oscars are considered the world's most prestigious film awards. Getting membership to the Academy means you join the thousands of creative professionals who have the right to vote for films from around the world. This membership is considered a symbol of pride in the career of any artist or technician.
Both Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana are known for their versatility and their select cinema. Kamal Haasan has taken Indian cinema to new heights for decades, while Ayushmann Khurrana has made a special identity with his unique films and stories based on social issues.
When will the next Oscars be held?
The Academy has also clarified that voting for the Oscars 2026 will take place between January 12 and 16, and the official announcement of the nominations will be made on January 22. After this, the grand ceremony will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
