New Academy Members: Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer, and Ariana Grande Join Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its annual invitation list, welcoming 534 new members, including notable figures such as Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer, and Ariana Grande. This marks an increase from last year's total of 487 invitees, reflecting the Academy's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the film industry. Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and Janet Yang, the Academy president, expressed their excitement about this year's cohort, stating, "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking and the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community."

Stephen Graham is currently enjoying a career resurgence with his role in the Netflix drama 'Adolescence,' while Jodie Comer recently starred in the horror sequel '28 Years Later.' Ariana Grande received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the musical 'Wicked.'

The list of new members also features Mikey Madison, who recently won the Best Actress award, alongside her 'Anora' co-stars Yura Borisov and Karren Karagulian, as well as the film’s cinematographer, Drew Daniels. Other prominent industry names included in this year's invitations are Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Fernanda Torres, directing nominees Brady Corbet and Coralie Fargeat, and British stars Gillian Anderson, Andrew Scott, Aml Ameen, Emma Corrin, and Naomi Ackie. Noteworthy figures such as Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Payal Kapadia, Dave Bautista, Danielle Deadwyler, Justice Smith, and Adam Pearson are also part of the new membership list.

Should all invited individuals accept their invitations, the total membership of the Academy would rise to 11,120, with 10,143 of those being voting members. The demographic breakdown would reflect 35% women, 22% from underrepresented communities, and 21% international members.

In a significant development for the upcoming Oscars, a new award for achievement in casting will be introduced next year. This year's invite list includes 13 casting directors, emphasizing the importance of casting in the filmmaking process. Additionally, it was announced that honorary Oscars will be awarded to Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. Last year's invitees included prominent stars such as Lily Gladstone, Jessica Alba, Fiona Shaw, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, showcasing the Academy's trend toward embracing a broader spectrum of talent in the film industry.

The Academy's initiative to invite new members continues to foster a more diverse and representative environment within the film community, reflecting the changing dynamics of the industry and the importance of inclusivity. As the Oscars approach, the anticipation grows around how these new members will contribute to the future of film and the ongoing evolution of the Academy itself.