Oscars Academy Invites Indian Film Talent for 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 529 global film professionals for its 2026 membership class, notably including acclaimed Indian filmmaker-composer Vishal Bhardwaj and costume designer Eka Lakhani. This prestigious invitation grants members voting rights for the globally recognized Academy Awards.

Other notable Indian invitees for the 2026 class comprise casting director Dilip Shankar and editors Deepa Bhatia and A. Sreekar Prasad. The group also features animation artist Avneet Kaur and production and technology professionals Farah Khan and Rajesh Ramachandran, alongside visual effects experts Becky Graham and Jay Mehta.

This year's class composition highlights a commitment to diversity, with 42% women and 56% from underrepresented communities. Crucially, 53% of the invitees hail from outside the United States, underscoring the Academy's drive for greater global representation. If all invitations are accepted, the Academy's total membership will reach 11,319, with 10,338 members possessing voting status.

In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor welcomed the new class, commending their exceptional talent and significant contributions to the global film industry. Academy members play a vital role in the awards process, determining nominations and winners across various categories.