New Delhi: Filmmaker and composer Vishal Bhardwaj, editors Deepa Bhatia and A Sreekar Prasad, costume designer Eka Lakhani, and casting director Dilip Shankar are among the Indian film professionals invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year.
The Academy on Wednesday announced invitations to 529 artists and executives from around the world as part of its 2026 membership class.
"We are delighted to invite this remarkable group of film artists and professionals from around the world to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year's exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry," Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement.
Bhardwaj, known for directing acclaimed films such as "Maqbool", "Omkara", and "Haider", has been invited in the music branch. Besides directing, he has composed music for several of his films as well as projects like "Maachis" and the upcoming "Gustaakh Ishq".
Deepa Bhatia, recognised for editing films including "Taare Zameen Par", "My Name Is Khan", "Rock On!!", "Kai Po Che!" and "Raees", also received an invitation.
Veteran editor A Sreekar Prasad, whose extensive body of work spans multiple Indian film industries, has been invited as well. His credits include films such as "Kaminey", "Talvar", "Pazhassi Raja" and "Kattradhu Thamizh".
Costume designer Eka Lakhani, known for her work in films such as "Ponniyin Selvan", "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani", "Leo" and "Dunki", is also part of the new invitees.
Casting director Dilip Shankar, who worked on films including "Monsoon Wedding" and "The Last Film Show", joins the Academy under its recently introduced casting directors branch.
The Academy said membership is granted through sponsorship rather than application, while Oscar nominees are automatically considered in the year of their nomination.
According to the Academy, women account for 42 per cent of the invited class, while 56 per cent belong to underrepresented communities. More than half of the invitees come from countries and territories outside the United States.
(With agency inputs from PTI)