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In a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema, three of its most distinctive talents—living legend Kamal Haasan, maverick star Ayushmann Khurrana, and trailblazing director Payal Kapadia—have received a coveted invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This prestigious body is responsible for voting on the winners of the annual Academy Awards, and this invitation signals a growing recognition of India's influence on the global stage.

The invitations celebrate a diverse range of Indian cinematic excellence. Kamal Haasan, a towering figure in the industry for decades, is recognized for his prolific and versatile career as an actor, director, and producer. Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his bold and socially relevant film choices, has carved a unique niche in contemporary Bollywood. Both were invited to join the Actors branch.

Meanwhile, director Payal Kapadia earned her spot in the Directors branch following a landmark year. Her film, All We Imagine as Light, made history by winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Indian film in 30 years to win the festival’s second-highest honour.

These invitations are part of the Academy's high-profile effort to diversify its ranks and better reflect the global landscape of cinema. This year, 487 artists and executives from around the world were invited to join. The new class is notably international, with 57% of invitees hailing from 56 different countries and territories outside the United States. The push for inclusion is also reflected in the numbers: 44% of the new members are women and 41% belong to underrepresented ethnic or racial communities.

By accepting, this new class will gain the prestigious right to vote for the winners at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. They join a growing list of Indian personalities who have been invited in recent years, including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Mani Ratnam, and the Oscar-winning duo from RRR, M.M. Keeravani and Chandrabose. This continued inclusion is more than just an honor; it's a powerful statement about the global appeal and artistic merit of Indian stories and storytellers.


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