Vishal Bhardwaj, A. Sreekar Prasad, Eka Lakhani among 2026 Academy Invitees

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 529 new artists and executives from around the world to join its official membership in 2026. The invitees include several Indian notables such as director-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, documentary filmmaker Shalini Kantayya, costume designer Eka Lakhani, veteran editor A. Sreekar Prasad, Delhi-based casting director Dilip Shankar, editor Deepa Bhatia, Farah Khan and others. 

The Academy said this year’s invitees include 95 Oscar nominees, 21 Oscar winners and three recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards.

“We are delighted to invite this remarkable group of film artists and professionals from around the world to join the Academy,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor in a statement. “Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year’s exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry.”

Among the prominent international names invited are Jon Bernthal, Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Josh O’Connor, Simu Liu, Julia Garner, Mia Goth, Stephen Fry, Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie.

The Academy said diversity remains a priority in its membership expansion efforts. Of the 2026 invited class, 42% are women, 56% belong to underrepresented communities, and 53% come from 60 countries and territories outside the United States.

Individuals who accept the invitations will become members of the Academy and will be eligible to vote for future Academy Awards. Nine invitees received invitations from multiple Academy branches and must select one branch upon accepting membership. As per Academy rules, membership is granted through sponsorship rather than application, with candidates reviewed by branch executive committees, the Membership Committee and the Academy’s Board of Governors.

The 99th Academy Awards  are scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.