The Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts has announced its list of 398 new members, with several prominent Indian personalities making the cut. This year’s invitees include renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam, celebrated director Karan Johar, RRR stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR, and talented individuals such as Shaunak Sen, MM Keeravani, and others.
These Indian artists join the ranks of global stars like Taylor Swift and Ke Huy Qwan as they become part of the esteemed Academy.
The list of Indian names also features Siddharth Roy Kapur, Chaitanya Tamhane, Chandrabose, KK Senthil Kumar, and Shivani Rawat, among others. Bela Bajaria, Rafiq Bhatia, and Andrij Parekh are also included for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
The Academy’s decision to extend invitations to these accomplished individuals reflects their significant impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures.
This year’s new member additions mark a scaling back in numbers compared to previous years, as the Academy has focused on increasing diversity within its ranks.
Following calls for greater representation and the social media movement #OscarsSoWhite, which criticized the lack of diversity in previous ceremonies, the Academy has strived to double the number of women and non-white members.
With over 10,000 members, the Academy holds a prominent position in the Hollywood film industry. The new members will play various roles, including voting for nominees for the highly anticipated annual Oscars ceremony.
The 2023 class comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, with 40 percent identifying as women, 34 percent representing underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 52 percent hailing from 50 countries and territories outside the United States.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their pride in welcoming these accomplished artists and professionals into the prestigious organization. Their global talent and contributions to the world of cinema have left an indelible impact on both the art and science of motion pictures, resonating with movie enthusiasts worldwide.
The next Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 10, where the Academy members will exercise their voting rights to determine the winners.
Earlier this year, Indian artists made their mark at the Oscars, with MM Keeravani and Chandrabose winning Best Song for RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” and the Indian production “The Elephant Whisperers” taking home the Best Documentary Short award. Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes” also received a nomination in the Best Documentary category.