Academy Invites Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, More for 2026

Key Points:

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 529 new members for 2026, including actors Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Bill Skarsgard, Jenna Ortega, and Josh O’Connor, as well as Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and filmmaker brothers Benny and Josh Safdie.
• The new class includes 95 Oscar nominees, 21 Oscar winners, and three Scientific and Technical Award recipients, with 42% women, 56% from underrepresented communities, and 53% based outside the U.S. across 60 countries.
• Invitations are determined through sponsorship by the Academy’s 19 branches and reviewed by a membership committee and the board of governors; nine invitees were selected for multiple branches and must choose one.
• If all accept, the Academy’s total membership will reach 11,319, with 10,338 voting members, increasing diversity with 36% women, 25% from underrepresented groups, and 22% international members.
• New members span a wide range of professions including actors, animators, casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, documentary filmmakers, executives, film editors, makeup artists, marketing professionals, musicians, producers, production designers, short filmmakers, sound specialists, and visual effects artists.