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- By Ridhi Suri
- Wed, 26 Jun 2024 01:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Several notable Indian stars and filmmakers, including RRR director SS Rajamouli and veteran actor Shabana Azmi, have been welcomed as new members of The Academy. This announcement, made by the organization behind the Oscar Awards, emphasises their selection based on professional qualifications and a commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity. The new cohort of 19 winners includes eight members from the Indian film industry, such as Village Rockstars director Rima Das, costume designers Rama Rajamouli and Sheetal Sharma, directors Nisha Pahuja and Hemal Trivedi, and Gully Boy co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani. The list includes 71 Oscar nominees, reflecting a broad spectrum of cinematic achievement.
Additional invitees of note include cinematographer Ravi Varman and 'Naatu Naatu' choreographer Prem Rakshith, among others. Among the new international members invited to join the Class of 2024 by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are 2024 Oscar winners Da’Vine Joy Randolph from 'The Holdovers,' director Mstyslav Chernov of '20 Days in Mariupol,' and sound duo Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn from 'War Is Over! The Zone of Interest.'
If all invitees accept, The Academy's total membership will increase to 10,910, with over 9,000 eligible to vote. According to The Academy's press release, the Class of 2024 comprises 44% women, 41% from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 56% representing 56 countries and territories outside the US.
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Also included are the VFX team from 'Godzilla Minus One' - Tatsuji Nojima, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi, and Takashi Yamazaki.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community." Members invited across multiple branches will need to select one branch upon accepting membership.
