Oscars 2025 Class: Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Payal Kapadia Among 534 Prestigious New Invitees

Oscars 2025 Class: Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia Join the Prestigious Ranks

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its much-anticipated Oscars 2025 Class, and this year’s list is particularly exciting for Indian cinema. Prominent Indian artists such as Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Cannes Grand Prix-winning filmmaker Payal Kapadia are among the 534 global creatives invited to join the prestigious organization.

This monumental announcement marks a significant recognition of Indian talent on the global stage and underscores the Academy’s efforts to embrace diversity and inclusion in cinema.

A Star-Studded Oscars 2025 Class With Global Flair

On Thursday night, the Academy announced the Oscars 2025 Class, a select group of 534 artists and executives spanning 60 countries and territories. The new members represent a wide array of cinematic disciplines including acting, writing, cinematography, direction, and more.

Indian cinema’s representation in this elite circle includes celebrated actor Kamal Haasan, versatile Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia. Their inclusion reaffirms India’s growing influence in the global film community.

Kamal Haasan and Ayushmann Khurrana: Proud Representatives in the Oscars 2025 Class

Kamal Haasan, known for his iconic performances in classics like Nayakan and Vikram, has been invited to join the Actors’ Branch of the Academy. With a career spanning decades and a reputation for pushing cinematic boundaries, Haasan’s addition to the Oscars 2025 Class is a well-deserved honor.

Ayushmann Khurrana, recognized for his thought-provoking roles in films like Article 15 and Andhadhun, will also join the Actors’ Branch. The actor expressed immense pride and joy at the recognition, calling it an “incredible feeling” to represent Indian cinema on such a revered international platform.

Payal Kapadia: A Visionary Filmmaker Joins the Writers’ Branch

Payal Kapadia’s inclusion in the Oscars 2025 Class is equally groundbreaking. She recently made headlines for winning the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 for her film All We Imagine as Light. A celebrated voice in independent cinema, Kapadia has been invited to join the Academy’s Writers’ Branch, where her perspective and creativity will add rich diversity to the community.

Oscars 2025 Class Emphasizes Representation and Equity

According to the Academy, the Oscars 2025 Class reflects ongoing efforts to increase diversity in the film industry. This year, 41% of the invited members are women, and 45% belong to underrepresented ethnic and racial communities. The Academy also stated that 55% of the class are based outside of the United States.

The diverse selection of invitees, including 91 past Oscar nominees and 26 winners, demonstrates a global commitment to inclusivity in storytelling and film production.

The Academy’s Membership Process: How Artists Join

The Academy clarified that membership is not open via public application. Instead, candidates must be nominated by two existing Academy members from the same branch the candidate seeks to join. However, Academy Award nominees are automatically considered for membership in the year they are nominated.

The Oscars 2025 Class selections are based on outstanding professional achievements and a proven commitment to the craft of filmmaking. This curated invitation process ensures that the Academy continues to maintain high standards while promoting diversity and representation.

Indian Cinema’s Presence in the Oscars 2025 Class

Apart from Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia, several other Indian talents were also extended invitations to join the Oscars 2025 Class. These include:

• Smriti Mundhra, a documentary filmmaker known for A Suitable Girl and Indian Matchmaking
• Maxima Basu, a celebrated costume designer
• Ranabir Das, a cinematographer and casting director with notable contributions to independent Indian cinema

These additions reflect the growing global appreciation of India’s dynamic and evolving cinematic landscape.

Reactions from Indian Leaders and Celebrities

Following the announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended his heartfelt congratulations to Kamal Haasan, praising his immense contributions to Indian and global cinema. In response, Haasan expressed his gratitude, stating that the recognition from the Academy was made more meaningful by the acknowledgment from his home state.

Ayushmann Khurrana also took to social media, expressing his honor in being invited. “Honoured to be invited to join The Academy and contribute towards celebrating excellence, perfection, and disruption. Truly an incredible feeling to represent India, our cinema & culture,” he shared.

Global Celebrities Join the Oscars 2025 Class

The Oscars 2025 Class is not only rich with Indian talent but also features renowned global artists. Internationally recognized names like Gillian Anderson, Ariana Grande, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Strong, and Sebastian Stan are part of this year’s invitation list.

This eclectic mix showcases the Academy’s expanding vision to include multifaceted talent from both commercial and independent cinema sectors worldwide.

What the Oscars 2025 Class Means for the Future of the Academy

The inclusion of artists from diverse geographical, cultural, and cinematic backgrounds in the Oscars 2025 Class signals a positive step forward for the Academy. By actively involving artists from regions previously underrepresented, the organization aims to align more closely with the global nature of modern storytelling.

These new members will now be eligible to vote for the Oscars, giving them a voice in determining the future of the film industry’s most prestigious awards.

Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Indian Cinema

The announcement of the Oscars 2025 Class is a moment of pride not just for the invitees but for the Indian film industry as a whole. With iconic names like Kamal Haasan, emerging global stars like Ayushmann Khurrana, and groundbreaking filmmakers like Payal Kapadia leading the way, Indian cinema continues to leave a lasting mark on the world stage.

As these artists join the ranks of the Academy, they bring with them unique perspectives, rich cultural experiences, and an undying passion for storytelling — all of which promise to shape the future of global cinema in remarkable ways.

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