
Diversity and inclusion continue to be a main priority for the film academy and, in addition to the relatively large numbers of women and underrepresented groups invited, it’s also a very international class. Over half of the invitees are from countries other than the United States. Issa Rae, Jon Batiste, Janet Jackson, Jurnee Smollett, Andra Day, Leslie Odom Jr., and H.E.R. are among the artists being invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
On Thursday (July 2), the Academy announced its 2021 class, which is comprised of 395 members of the industry, “46% women, 39% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 53% international from 49 countries outside of the United States.”
If the invited members accept, they will have voting privileges at next year’s Oscars.
In a statement, the Academy shared that the elections for the members are based on “professional qualifications, with representation, inclusion, and equity remaining a priority of Academy Aperture 2025.”