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Kamal Hassan, Ayushmann Khurrana among those invited to join Oscars Academy
Upon acceptance, the members will be able to cast their vote for Oscars.
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Bhavana P - Tue, 01, Jul 2025
- 16:24 EDT
- 11
(L) Ayushmann Khurrana and (R) Kamal Hassan / Wikipedia
Kamal Haasan, an Indian cinema icon, and Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana have been extended invitations to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in recognition of their substantial contributions to the global cinema genre.
Acclaimed actors, filmmakers, and artists from around the world were included in the 2025 list of invitees announced by the Academy, which oversees the Oscars. The invitation marks an acknowledgment of Khurrana and Haasan’s influence in reshaping Indian and global film narratives.
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Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, with a career spanning over six decades, is considered one of India's finest cinematic minds. His body of work bridges regional and international cinema, marked by innovation, artistic depth, and bold storytelling. From Nayakan to Hey Ram, his films have challenged norms and expanded the language of Indian filmmaking.
Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his socially conscious and unconventional film choices, has consistently used cinema as a medium for progressive storytelling. From Vicky Donor to Article 15 and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, his work addresses social issues ranging from sexuality to caste discrimination.
Globally celebrated, Khurrana has been twice honored by TIME — once as part of the TIME100 Most Influential People in the World and again with the TIME100 Impact Award in 2023. He also serves as a UNICEF India Ambassador, working to promote child rights.
Apart from Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana, several others were featured on the list. Notable Indian-American executive Ravi Ahuja, associate (non-voting) member Raj Kapoor, writer Payal Kapadia, and documentary director Smriti Mundhra were also extended invitations.
The Academy’s invitation underscores the increasing global presence of Indian cinema and its storytellers. “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,”said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang.
Full list of Indians
Casting Directors- Karan Mally
Cinematographers- Ranabir Das
Costume Designers- Maxima Basu
Documentary- Arun Bhattarai, Smriti Mundhra
Executives- Ravi Ahuja
Production and Technology- Chaitanya Chinchlikar, Momita SenGupta, Munira Tayabji
Sound- PM Satheesh
Visual Effects- Ravi Bansal, Abishek Nair, Yugandhar Tammareddy, Jateen Thakkar
Writers- Payal Kapadia
Associates (non voting)- Raj Kapoor
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