Composer-filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, film editors Deepa Bhatia and A Sreekar Prasad, costume designer Eka Lakhani, and casting director Dilip Shankar are among the 529 artists invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to become members. The Academy announced the 2026 class of invitees on June 25, 2026.
Academy Leadership Welcomes New Members
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement, "We are delighted to invite this remarkable group of film artists and professionals from around the world to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year's exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry."
Indian Invitees and Their Contributions
Vishal Bhardwaj, who began his career as a music composer before becoming a filmmaker, has been invited as a composer. He has composed music for his own films such as "Maqbool", "Omkara", "Kaminey", and "Haider", as well as for Gulzar's "Maachis" and Manish Malhotra's production "Gustaakh Ishq".
Deepa Bhatia is a renowned film editor known for her work on "Taare Zameen Par", "My Name is Khan", "Rock On", "Kai Po Che!", and "Raees". A Sreekar Prasad is a prolific editor who has worked across Indian film industries, editing films like "Kaminey", "Talvar", "Pazhassi Raja", and "Kattradhu Thamizh".
Eka Lakhani has worked as a costume designer on Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan", "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", "Leo", and "Dunki". Dilip Shankar, who cast for Mira Nair's "Monsoon Wedding" and Pan Nalin's "The Last Show", is part of the newly introduced Oscar branch for casting directors.
Membership Process and Diversity Statistics
The Academy stated that membership for its 19 branches and one membership classification is by sponsorship, not application. Academy Award nominees are automatically considered for membership in the year of nomination and do not require sponsors. Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity remaining a priority. Of the 2026 invited class, 42% are women, 56% belong to underrepresented communities, and 53% are from 60 countries and territories outside the United States.
