Oscars 2026: Ayushmann Khurrana and Kamal Hassan invited to join Academy voting

Among the 534 global artists invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year, five Indian talents have made it to the list, representing the country across acting, writing, costume design, and cinematography. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang extending the invitations, said, “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.”

Ayushmann Khurrana and Kamal Haasan invited to the Academy Oscars voting

Among the 534 invitees are Indian actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Kamal Haasan. Ayushmann Khurrana has been recognised for his critically acclaimed performances in films like Andhadhun and Article 15, among others, both of which cemented his place as one of India’s most versatile leading men. Joining him is cinema icon Kamal Haasan, who continues to earn global respect for his legendary work in films like Vikram and Nayakan.

#KamalHaasan invited to join the prestigious ‘The Academy’ ! Among others Ayushmann Khurrana, filmmaker Payal Kapadia, singer-actor Ariana Grande & 531 people from across the globe have also been invited. Upon acceptation, the members will be able to cast their vote for Oscars. pic.twitter.com/kqOtd4tLMm

— Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 27, 2025

Notably, Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana have become the second and third Indian actors to have received an invitation from the Academy until now. The first actor to have received an invite was actor Suriya, who received it in the year 2022.

Other Indians invited

Apart from Ayushmann and Kamal, in the writing category, Payal Kapadia has been invited for her groundbreaking film All We Imagine as Light. The film created history by winning the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, making her the first Indian filmmaker to achieve this honour. Made on a modest budget, the film resonated globally and became a milestone for Indian independent cinema.

We’re proud to announce our newly invited members to the Academy!

Meet the Class of 2025: pic.twitter.com/9mapg3t7Dv

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 26, 2025

Two more key figures from the same film also feature on this year’s Academy invite list. Costume designer Maxima Basu, known for her detailed work in Bajirao Mastani, was recognised for her contributions to the look and feel of All We Imagine as Light. Cinematographer Ranabir Das, whose visual storytelling brought a haunting beauty to the film, has also been invited. He previously worked with Kapadia on A Night of Knowing Nothing, which won the L’Œil d’or (Golden Eye) for Best Documentary at Cannes in 2021.

Together, these five names represent a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the world stage, showcasing a powerful mix of commercial brilliance, artistic courage, and globally resonant storytelling.

In addition to these, Hollywood stars like Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are also among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26.

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