Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana invited to join the Academy
Big news for Indian cinema: Kamal Haasan has been invited to join the Oscars voting panel, making him just the second Indian actor after Suriya to get this nod.
He'll be part of the Academy's 2025 class, alongside 534 film pros from around the world.
41% of new members are women
The Academy is really leaning into diversity this year—41% of new members are women, and 45% come from underrepresented communities. Over half are from outside the US.
Haasan was picked for his standout roles in films like Vikram and Nayakan.
Ayushmann, Smriti Mundhra also on the list
Haasan isn't alone—Ayushmann Khurrana, filmmaker Payal Kapadia, cinematographer Ranabir Das, casting director Nandini Shrikent, costume designer Maxima Basu, and documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra also got invites.
Membership is strictly by invitation; you can't apply yourself.
Indian talent is getting more space at global tables
With Haasan joining after Suriya's 2022 inclusion, it shows Indian talent is getting more space at global tables like the Oscars.
The new members will help pick winners at the 2026 ceremony (mark your calendars for March 15!).