The Academy Welcomes Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Conan O’Brien & 500+ New Members
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the addition of 534 new members to its prestigious ranks. This further expands the exclusive group of Oscar voters. This year’s group includes a wide array of film professionals. It features stars like Danielle Deadwyler, Ariana Grande, and Jason Momoa. It also includes filmmakers, executives, and below-the-line professionals.
The Largest and Most Diverse Class Yet
The 2025 class of new members brings the Academy’s total membership to 11,120, with 10,143 eligible to vote. This marks the largest membership in the Academy’s history. In response to the #OscarsSoWhite backlash, the Academy has significantly expanded and diversified its voting body in recent years. This year’s group is notably 41% female, 45% from underrepresented communities, and 55% international, pushing the Academy’s overall diversity to 35% women, 22% from underrepresented communities, and 21% international members.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang expressed their excitement in welcoming these new members, saying, “We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.”
Big Names Among the New Invitees
Among the new Oscar voters are several Oscar nominees and winners. Notably, Ariana Grande, Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, and Monica Barbara have all received invitations. Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for Anora, and Kieran Culkin, who earned Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, are also included in the new class.
Also among the honorees are renowned filmmakers. These include Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep), Azazel Jacobs (His Three Daughters), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), and Gia Coppola (The Last Showgirl). Other directors like Coraline Fargeat (The Substance) and Halina Reijn (Babygirl) are also joining. This expands the diversity of perspectives in the Academy.
Music and Writers Branch Expands
In the music branch, Brandi Carlile (Elton John: Never Too Late) has received an invitation. Branford Marsalis (Rustin) and Youssou N’Dour (Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love) have also been invited. While in the writers branch, new members include Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine As Light) and Lena Waithe (Queen & Slim). Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley (Sing Sing) also joined the list.
A Nod to Previous Oscar Hosts
Both Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien, who recently hosted the 2025 Academy Awards and earned praise for their performance, have also been invited to join the Academy. O’Brien will be returning to host the 2026 Oscars, after a well-reviewed broadcast that drew 19.7 million viewers.
Changes Coming for New Members
Alongside the expansion of membership, the Academy has introduced new rules for the 2025 awards cycle. For the first time, members will be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final rounds of Oscar voting. A new award category for casting will be introduced at the next Oscars, while a stunt design award will debut in 2028.
With these changes, the Academy continues its evolution, inviting a diverse and talented group of professionals to help shape the future of filmmaking and the Oscars.
More…
- https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-06-26/academy-ampas-invites-534-new-members-ariana-grande-kieran-culkin
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/business/prioritizing-diversity-film-academy-will-widen-membership.html
- https://apnews.com/article/oscars-academy-new-members-2025-c5a9126ce3065cfbd9536ef519789182
