Kamal Haasan invited to join the Academy to vote for the Oscars. This Bollywood actor will be joining him as co-voter
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
, renowned worldwide for presenting the annual Oscar Awards, has extended an exclusive invitation to Kamal Haasan, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, to become a member of its prestigious organization. This development was reported by
IANS
and marks a significant acknowledgment of Haasan's enduring contribution to the world of film.
Part Of An Elite Global Group
This year, the Academy has invited a total of 534 individuals—comprising artists, technicians, and executives—who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of cinema. Kamal Haasan has been selected under the 'Actors' category. His body of work, including the critically acclaimed films Vikram and Nayakan, has been listed as key highlights of his artistic legacy. These selections reflect his lasting impact on both Indian and global film industries.
A Rare Honour For Indian Talent
Kamal Haasan becomes only the second Indian actor ever to receive this honour from the Academy. The first was actor Suriya, who was invited to join in 2022. This rare recognition for Indian actors highlights Haasan's stature as a global film personality and underlines the growing influence of Indian cinema on international platforms.
How The Academy Selects Its Members
The Academy clarified that its membership process does not involve direct applications. Instead, individuals are nominated by two current members of the same category. However, nominees for the Oscars are automatically considered for membership in the year they are nominated. This selection is based on professional merit, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equal representation.
The 2025 class of invitees includes 41% women and 45% individuals from underrepresented groups, with 55% hailing from 60 countries outside the United States. Among those invited are 91 Oscar nominees, including 26 winners and three recipients of the Academy's Scientific and Technical Awards.
Other Indian Names On The List
Apart from Kamal Haasan, Indian representation this year includes actor Ayushmann Khurrana, known for Andhadhun; filmmaker Payal Kapadia; documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundra; costume designer Maxima Basu; cinematographer Ranabir Das; and casting director Nandini Shrikent. Their inclusion signals a broader acknowledgment of Indian talent across various disciplines of filmmaking.
Global Luminaries Among Invitees
International personalities such as Gillian Anderson, Ariana Grande, Sebastian Stan, Jason Momoa, and Jeremy Strong also feature in this year's invitee list, reflecting the Academy's wide reach and appreciation of diverse talents.
Upcoming Oscars Ceremony
The 2026 Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 and will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien. Voting for the final nominations will take place from January 12 to 16, with the shortlisted names announced on January 22.
Kamal Haasan's Latest Work
Recently, Kamal Haasan starred in Thug Life, a gangster drama directed by Mani Ratnam. Although their previous collaboration, Nayakan, became a cinematic classic, this new venture failed to meet expectations at the box office.
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