Ayushmann Khurrana has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that presents the Oscars. The actor, known for his roles in films that often tackle social issues and challenge societal norms, joins a diverse group of artists and industry professionals from around the world who have been recognized for their significant contributions to cinema.
The Academy's invitation is a testament to Khurrana's impact on Indian cinema and his commitment to using his platform to spark conversations about important social topics. Throughout his career, he has consistently chosen roles that break cinematic and societal stereotypes, addressing subjects such as gender identity, body image, caste discrimination, and unconventional relationships. His films have been widely discussed for bringing underrepresented issues to the forefront of mainstream Indian cinema.
Khurrana joins an international list of invitees, including prominent figures like Gillian Anderson, Ariana Grande, Kamal Haasan, Mikey Madison, Jeremy Strong, and Kieran Culkin. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm for the new class of members, stating, "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community."
The Academy's membership process prioritizes professional qualifications while also upholding its commitment to fostering representation, inclusion, and equity. This year's invitees reflect that mission, with 41% being women, 45% coming from underrepresented communities, and 55% hailing from 60 countries and territories outside the United States. If all the invited individuals accept, the Academy will have a total of 11,120 members, with 10,143 having voting rights for the Oscars.
Khurrana's invitation to join the Academy is another milestone in his career, marking his growing international presence and influence in the global film industry. He has been recognized by TIME Magazine twice, first in its TIME100 list of the World's Most Influential People and later with the TIME100 Impact Award in 2023. In addition to his acting career, Ayushmann serves as a UNICEF India National Ambassador, focusing on child rights and protection.
The inclusion of Khurrana and other Indian talents such as Kamal Haasan, Karan Mally (casting director), Ranabir Das (cinematographer), Maxima Basu (costume designer), Smriti Mundhra (documentary filmmaker), and Payal Kapadia highlights the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the global stage. Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the news, with many celebrating the inclusion of Indian artists in the Academy.
Unlike regular applications, individuals cannot directly apply to join the Academy. Instead, they must be sponsored by two current members from the same branch or category. However, Academy Award nominees are automatically considered for membership in the year they are nominated and do not require sponsors.
The new members who accept the invitation will have the power to vote on the Oscars, including the upcoming ceremony on March 15, 2026. Nominations for the awards will be announced on January 22, following the voting window from January 12–16.
