Alia Bhatt (L), Hrithik Roshan (R). (courtesy aliaabhatt )
Strong points
- The Academy issues a single series of invitations each year
- Only Academy members can vote for Oscar winners
- New Membership Goals Aim To Boost Diversity
New Delhi:
Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Hrithik Roshan are on the new guest list for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has 36% people of color and 45% women. On Wednesday, the Academy’s official Twitter account shared the guest list with a caption that said, “Say hello to our brand new class of Academy members.” In addition to Alia and Hrithik, documentary filmmakers Nishtha Jain and Amit Madheshiya, designer Neeta Lulla, casting director Nandini Shrikent, visual effects supervisors Vishal Anand and Sandeep Kamal have received invitations from the Academy.
The list recognized Alia Bhatt for her performances in films Gully boy (which was India’s official entry for the Oscars 2020) and Raazi, while Super 30 and Jodhaa Akbar have been listed as outstanding works by Hrithik Roshan. The work of Neeta Lulla in Jodhaa Akbar and Devdas also asked him for an invitation.
Here is the full list of guests:
Say hello to our brand new class of Academy members. #WeAreTheAcademyhttps://t.co/jRJWPQYH1Y
– The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 30, 2020
New membership targets aim to strengthen diversity Oscars nominated. The Academy has now exceeded its membership targets, with 45% of women admitted this year, and 36% will be represented by minorities. “We have always embraced extraordinary talents that reflect the great variety of our global film community, and never more than now,” said Academy President David Rubin.
“The Academy of Cinema Arts and Sciences sends invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contribution to cinematographic films. The 2020 class is made up of 45% women, 36% from communities ethnic / racial underrepresented, and 49% international from 68 countries, “reads an extract from the press release.
The guest list also includes The farewell actress Awkwafina, who was snubbed at Oscars this year, Eva Longoria, Joker star Zazie Beetz and future Bond girl Ana de Armas. Disney child star Zendaya (for Spider-Man: away from home) and Constance Wu, best known for her performances in Hustlers and Crazy Rich Asians also received invitations this year.
(With AFP entries)
