Rajamouli, Shabana, Other Indians Invited To Join Academy

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – On June 25, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it had extended invitations to 487 new members, including SS Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi, Rama Rajamouli, and Ritesh Sidhwani, to join the Class of 2024. Among the invitees are 71 Oscar nominees, including 19 winners.

In addition to these celebrities, cinematographer Ravi Varman, filmmaker Rima Das, and ‘Naatu Naatu’ choreographer Prem Rakshith are also invited. If all invitees accept, the total membership will rise to 10,910, with over 9,000 eligible to vote.

According to the Academy’s press release, the Class of 2024 includes 44% women, 41% from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 56% from 56 countries and territories outside the US.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang stated, “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community.”

Invitees who are eligible for multiple branches will need to choose one branch upon accepting membership.