The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 529 film industry creatives to join its 2026 member class. Among the notable invitees are actors Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, and Stephen Fry, as well as Teyana Taylor, Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Zach Cregger, Julia Garner, and others.
Academy Leadership Welcomes New Talent
"We are delighted to invite this remarkable group of film artists and professionals from around the world to join the Academy," said CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint statement. "Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year's exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry."
Notable Invitees and Their Achievements
Jacob Elordi received his first Oscar nomination earlier this year for his transformative performance as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. Jenna Ortega continues her hot streak with record-breaking viewership for the Wednesday series and an upcoming role in the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun.
Stephen Fry, best known for British TV roles, has appeared in over a dozen Hollywood productions including Gosford Park, V for Vendetta, and Love & Friendship. He was nominated for a best actor Golden Globe for 1998's Wilde and has hosted the Bafta awards 12 times.
Teyana Taylor was also nominated in this year's best supporting actress category but lost to Amy Madigan in Weapons. Josh O'Connor starred in the Netflix hit Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and was recently seen in Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day.
Broader Impact on Academy Membership
If all invitations are accepted, total Academy membership will reach 11,319, with voting members rising to 10,338. The composition would be 36% women, 25% from underrepresented communities, and 22% international members.
Other invitees include Mia Goth, Elordi's co-star in Frankenstein, and Jon Bernthal, recently seen on Broadway in Dog Day Afternoon and set for roles in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. The list also features Weapons director and actor Zach Cregger, Julia Garner, KPop Demon Hunters co-directors Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, and singing star Ejae.
The Oscars recently announced rule changes for the 2027 awards season, banning acting and writing awards for work done by AI and allowing performers to receive multiple nominations in the same category. Last year, the Academy invited Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer, and Ariana Grande to join.
