In a powerful move that highlights the growing inclusivity of global cinema, the Oscars Voting Body has extended a prestigious invitation to Indian film legends Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana, as per a recent report by Variety. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the governing body of the Oscars, has invited 534 distinguished artists and executives worldwide to join its esteemed ranks in 2025.
This year’s expansion of the Oscars Voting Body not only celebrates Hollywood excellence but also acknowledges the influential voices of global cinema. Alongside the Indian stars, notable celebrities like Kieran Culkin, Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Strong, and Sebastian Stan have also been invited to join the Oscars voting panel. This marks a major step forward in recognizing talent beyond borders.
Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana: Icons Representing Indian Cinema
With over three decades of acting, directing, and producing, Kamal Haasan stands as one of India’s most respected cinematic figures. From his iconic roles in Tamil cinema to national recognition, Kamal continues to set benchmarks. His latest appearance in ‘Thug Life’, directed by Mani Ratnam, was another reminder of his enduring versatility and stardom.
Ayushmann Khurrana, on the other hand, represents the new wave of socially relevant, content-driven Indian cinema. With powerful performances in films like ‘Andhadhun’, ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Article 15’, and ‘Bala’, Ayushmann has carved a niche as an actor who blends entertainment with thought-provoking themes.
Their inclusion in the Oscars Voting Body reflects not just individual brilliance but also the global rise of Indian cinema. It reinforces how Indian artists are now shaping the international film narrative and being recognized on a global platform.
Oscars Voting Body 2025: A More Global Perspective
This year, AMPAS has made its strongest global push yet. Out of the 534 invitees, representatives hail from 60 countries and territories beyond the United States, making this one of the most international groups to join the Oscars Voting Body.
Academy President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer released a joint statement: “This year’s class embodies the diversity and global breadth of today’s film community, and their inclusion will continue to enrich the Academy’s mission and work.”
The invitees will be placed in one of 19 Academy branches — ranging from actors to directors, producers, and more. Some individuals with significant contributions to the industry may also join as Associates, a special category without Oscar voting rights but with industry recognition.
Several artists like Smriti Mundhra, Brady Corbet, and Coralie Fargeat have been invited to multiple branches and will choose one upon acceptance.
The Impact of This Move on Global Film Recognition
The expansion of the Oscars Voting Body is not just symbolic — it’s a direct effort by the Academy to adapt to the evolving film landscape. As streaming platforms, international productions, and cross-border collaborations continue to rise, having a globally representative voting body is vital.
Including icons like Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana not only bridges the gap between Indian and Western film industries but also opens the door for Indian stories to gain more visibility at prestigious global events like the Oscars.
With this new class, the total Academy membership will grow to 11,120, including 10,143 voting members. The hope is that such inclusion results in broader representation, diverse nominations, and fairer results at the Oscars.
A Proud Moment for Indian Cinema
The inclusion of Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana in the Oscars Voting Body is a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema. It is a clear sign that global institutions are recognizing the value, depth, and diversity of Indian storytelling. As cinema continues to break boundaries, the Academy’s global outreach promises more inclusive and representative storytelling on the world’s biggest stage.
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