S.S. Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi, Ritesh Sidhwani and more invited to join the Academy as new members

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made headlines on June 25 by announcing invitations extended to 487 new members for its Class of 2024. Notable figures included in this prestigious group are SS Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi, Jessica Alba, Lily Gladstone. Rama Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Catherine O’Hara, and Greta Lee.

Among the invitees, 71 have been previously nominated for Oscars, with 19 of them having won the award. In addition to well-known names like SS Rajamouli and Shabana Azmi from India, the Academy also reached out to cinematographer Ravi Varman, filmmaker Rima Das, and choreographer Prem Rakshith, who is recognised for his work on the song 'Naatu Naatu.'

Upon acceptance of their invitations, the Academy's total membership would rise to 10,910 members, with over 9,000 eligible to participate in voting. The composition of the new class reflects a diverse and inclusive approach, with 44% identifying as women, 41% coming from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds, and 56% representing 56 different countries and territories outside the United States.

Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and Janet Yang, President, expressed enthusiasm about the incoming class, noting their significant contributions to the global filmmaking community. They emphasised the Academy's commitment to recognising talent from various backgrounds and regions, highlighting the cultural richness it brings to the film industry. The Academy wrote on Instagram, 'We’re proud to announce our newly invited members to the Academy!'

Members invited across multiple branches of the Academy will need to choose a primary branch upon accepting their membership, reflecting the organisation's structure and commitment in different facets of filmmaking.

The invitations mark another step towards strengthening the Academy's membership, ensuring a broader representation of voices and perspectives in shaping the future of cinema.

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