Mumbai, India (CU)_ The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has welcomed 397 new members this year, including actors Kajol and Suriya, filmmakers Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas, and writer-filmmaker Reema Kagti. According to the latest news on the Academy website, the list comprises artists and executives who have distinguished themselves via their contributions to theatrical motion films.


According to Oscar Academy, membership selection depends on professional credentials, with a continuous commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity. According to the statement from the Academy, “The 2022 class is 44% women, 37% belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50% are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States”.


The actors branch has invited Kajol, known for her roles in Hindi films such as My Name Is Khan and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, and Suriya, known for his work in Tamil films such as Jai Bhim and Soorarai Pottru, which was an Oscar nomination last year. Ghosh and Thomas, whose popular film Writing With Fire was nominated for the Oscars for the best documentary feature of this year, will join the documentary division.


Kagti, popular for Hindi films such as Talaash, Gully Boy, and Gold, will join the writers department. Oscar winner A R Rahman, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Ali Afzal, as well as producers Aditya Chopra, Guneet Monga, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor, are Academy members from the Indian cinema industry.