Full Breakdown
Academy Invites 529 New Members, Expanding Voting Body
6/25/2026, 1:54:38 AM
New Membership Wave Expands Academy Voting Body
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that 529 artists and executives have been invited to join its voting membership. If all accept, the voting roster will increase to 10,338 members, raising the total Academy population to 11,319, up from 6,000 a decade ago.
Background: From #OscarsSoWhite to Ongoing Inclusion
The invitation surge follows the 2015 #OscarsSoWhite controversy, which exposed academy’s overwhelmingly white and male composition. In response, the organization set diversity targets, met its initial goals, and has continued to recruit women, people of color, and international filmmakers.
Notable Invitees
Among the new cohort are actors Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Simu Liu, as well as filmmakers Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, and Zach Cregger. Nine invitees, including the Safdie brothers, received offers from multiple branches and must select a single branch upon acceptance.
Membership Demographics
The academy reports that 42% of invitees are women, 56% are from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups, and 53% hail from 60 countries outside the United States; after induction the voting body will be 64% male and 75% white, while composition remains 36% women, 25% underrepresented, and 22% international.
Official Academy Statements
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the new class reflects a distinguished group of film artists and professionals worldwide and highlighted their contributions to the movie industry. The academy reiterated that membership selection remains based on professional qualifications and a continued commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.
Criticism and Ongoing Concerns
Observers note that numerical diversity does not automatically ensure equitable voting influence, and they point out that membership skews male and white despite the new class’s improvements. Critics call for structural reforms to translate demographic changes into voting power. The academy has not disclosed how many invitees have accepted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority,” — Academy spokesperson
- “We are delighted to invite this remarkable group of film artists and professionals from around the world to join the Academy,” — Bill Kramer, CEO, and Lynette Howell Taylor, President
- “Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year’s exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry.” — Academy statement
- “Following the induction of this year's new members, the academy will be 64% male and 75% white.” — Academy data release
Upcoming Milestones
The 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre, with Conan O’Brien hosting. The academy also plans a casting award this year and an Oscar for stunt design in 2028.
