And Anupam Kher, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap Go To The Oscars

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has invited 842 new members to join its ranks, among them four Indians – Anupam Kher, Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy), Ritesh Batra (Photograph) and Anurag Kashyap, reports Firstpost.

The academy is ramping up its efforts to diversify its membership. These film industry voices include 50 per cent women and 29 per cent people of colour, who will vote annually to determine Oscar winners.

Other invitees, hailing from 59 countries around the world, include Oscar-winning A Star Is Born actress-songwriter Lady Gaga, Spider-Man: Far From Home headliner Tom Holland, The Crown‘s Claire Foy, A Mighty Heart star Archie Panjabi, This Is Us actor Sterling K. Brown. Directors like Crazy Rich Asians‘ Jonathan M. Chu and Late Night‘s Nisha Ganatra are also invited.

The 2020 Oscars telecast will be held on February 9.