The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently issued invitations to 487 new members, including well-known Indian personalities like SS Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi, Rama Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, and others, to join the Class of 2024.
This group of invitees comprises 71 individuals who have been nominated for an Oscar, with 19 of them being past winners. Apart from the aforementioned celebrities, the invitations have also been extended to cinematographer Ravi Varman, filmmaker Rima Das, and Naatu Naatu choreographer Prem Rakshith.
If all those invited accept, the Academy's total membership will increase to 10,910, with over 9,000 members eligible to vote.
As per the press release from The Academy, the Class of 2024 includes 44% female members, and 41% from ethnic/racial groups that are underrepresented, and represents 56 countries and territories outside of the United States.
The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We are very excited to welcome the new members of the Academy this year. These incredibly talented artists and professionals from all over the world have had a significant impact on our film community."
Those who are invited from various branches will be required to choose one specific branch upon accepting the membership.