The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 842 new members to join its ranks for the 2026 Oscars, marking the largest single class in the organization's history. This record-breaking cohort is part of the Academy's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, following criticism in recent years over the lack of representation among Oscar voters.
Record-Breaking Invitations
The 2026 class surpasses the previous record of 819 invitations set in 2020. The new members span 59 countries and include a wide range of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. According to the Academy, 44% of the invitees are women, 37% are from underrepresented ethnic or racial communities, and 52% are international. This continues the trend of expanding the voter base beyond the traditional predominantly white, male, and older demographic.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
The Academy has been under pressure to diversify its membership since the #OscarsSoWhite movement in 2015 and 2016. In response, it pledged to double the number of women and people of color by 2020. The 2026 invitations are a continuation of that effort. Academy President Janet Yang stated, “We are proud to welcome this extraordinary group of artists and professionals. Their diverse perspectives will enrich our organization and the films we celebrate.” The new members include directors, producers, writers, actors, and below-the-line craftspeople.
Notable Invitees
Among the high-profile invitees are actors such as Austin Butler, who received an Oscar nomination for Elvis, and Lily Gladstone, who was nominated for Killers of the Flower Moon. Directors invited include Greta Gerwig, who was previously snubbed for a Best Director nomination for Barbie, and Celine Song, director of Past Lives. International filmmakers also feature prominently, with invites going to Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda and South Korea's Bong Joon-ho, both previous Oscar winners.
Impact on Oscar Voting
The addition of 842 new voters could significantly influence future Oscar nominations and winners. The Academy now has over 10,000 voting members, up from about 6,000 in 2015. This expansion is expected to lead to more diverse nominees and winners, as the new members bring different tastes and perspectives. However, some critics argue that the rapid growth may dilute the expertise of the voting body. The Academy has maintained that the new members are selected based on their professional achievements and contributions to the film industry.
International Representation
The 2026 class includes members from countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Thailand, reflecting the Academy's push for global representation. International members now make up about 20% of the total voting body. This shift aligns with the growing influence of non-English language films at the Oscars, as seen with the Best International Feature category and the success of films like Parasite and All Quiet on the Western Front.
Next Steps for New Members
Invitees have until September 30 to accept membership. Once accepted, they will be eligible to vote for the 2026 Academy Awards, which will take place in March 2026. The Academy will hold orientation sessions to help new members understand the voting process and ethical guidelines. The deadline for accepting invitations is a key milestone, as the Academy finalizes its voter rolls ahead of the awards season.
