Film Academy Invites 529 New Members: Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Teyana Taylor and More to Become Oscar Voters

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended invitations to 529 new members on July 1, 2024, expanding its voting body for the Oscars. This year's invitee class includes prominent actors such as Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, and Teyana Taylor, alongside established figures like Jon Bernthal and new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro. The list comprises 95 Oscar nominees, with 21 of them being past winners, reflecting a diverse range of talent and experience. The Academy aims to increase representation within its membership, with 40% of the 2024 invitees being women and 36% belonging to underrepresented ethnic or racial communities. This initiative continues the Academy's commitment to diversifying its ranks, which began in earnest after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy in 2016. The new members represent 20 different branches of filmmaking, from actors and directors to writers and producers, underscoring the breadth of talent being recognized. Notable invitees also include directors Celine Song and Cord Jefferson, and actors such as Danielle Brooks and Sterling K. Brown. The Academy's invitation process involves sponsorship from current members and approval by the organization's board of governors, ensuring that new members are recognized for their significant contributions to cinema.