Six Indian film professionals have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organisation behind the Oscars, as part of its 2026 membership class.
The Academy has extended invitations to 529 filmmakers, artists and executives from around the world. If accepted, the invitees will become Academy members with voting rights for future Oscar nominations and winners within their respective branches. This year's class includes 95 Oscar nominees, 21 Oscar winners and professionals representing 60 countries and territories. The Academy said 53 percent of the invitees are based outside the United States, continuing its push towards greater international representation.
The Indian invitees are filmmaker, writer and composer Vishal Bhardwaj; veteran editors A. Sreekar Prasad and Deepa Bhatia; costume designer Eka Lakhani; casting director Dilip Shankar; and animation artist Avneet Kaur. In addition, India-linked professionals Farah Khan and Rajesh Ramachandran have been invited in the Science and Technology Council, while visual effects specialist Jay Mehta has also received an invitation.
Bhardwaj is among India's most celebrated filmmakers, known for acclaimed adaptations such as Maqbool, Omkara and Haider. Prasad, one of India's most decorated editors, has worked across multiple languages, including the Oscar-winning RRR. Bhatia's editing credits include Taare Zameen Par, Kai Po Che! and Sharmajee Ki Beti, while Lakhani's recent costume design work spans Ponniyin Selvan, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Kill. Shankar is recognised for his casting on films including Last Film Show (Chhello Show), India's official Oscar submission for the 95th Academy Awards.
According to the Academy, if all invitees accept membership, its total membership will grow to 11,319, including 10,338 voting members. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor said the new class represents artists and executives "whose contributions to filmmaking and the larger film industry continue to make a lasting global impact."
