Meet the Diverse and Talented 2026 Academy Member Class: From Breakout Stars to Industry Veterans
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its newest member class for 2026, which includes breakout stars like Jacob Elordi and Teyana Taylor, along with industry veterans such as Jenna Ortega and Jon Bernthal. The invitee list comprises 529 individuals, including 95 Oscar nominees and three Scientific and Technical Awards recipients. The class is notable for its diversity, with 42% women, 56% from underrepresented communities, and 53% from 60 countries outside the United States.
The actors branch welcomes prominent names like Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Julia Garner, and Josh O'Connor. Notable additions also include Paddy Considine, Simu Liu, Anthony Ramos, and Jon Bernthal. The new members represent a mix of established talent and rising stars, reflecting the Academy's commitment to inclusivity and global representation.
The new class also features industry stalwarts such as directors James Ponsoldt and Eugene Ashe, documentarian Andrew Jarecki, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, producer Eli Bush, and screenwriter Dan Fogelman. The diverse group of filmmakers and creatives brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Academy's membership.
Among the directors, the class includes filmmakers like Zach Cregger, the Safdie brothers, Alonso Ruizpalacios, and Fernanda Valadez. The invitees represent a wide range of cinematic styles and storytelling approaches, showcasing the Academy's recognition of innovative and impactful filmmaking.
Nine individuals invited by multiple branches must choose a single home within the Academy, including filmmakers Oliver Laxe, Chris Lavis, Florence Miailhe, Maciek Szczerbowski, and Conall Jones. The new members span various disciplines within the film industry, from editing and writing to animation and short films.
Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, is among the invited executives, along with industry leaders like Dennis Lim and Liz Jenkins. The marketing and publicity ranks are also well-represented, with invitees from top PR firms and organizations in the entertainment industry.
Notably absent from this year's invite list is writer-director Ryan Coogler, who declined an invitation to join the Academy nearly a decade ago. His wife and producing partner, Zinzi Coogler, was also not included in this year's class. The Cooglers made history as the first Black married couple to receive Oscar nominations, with their film "Sinners" becoming the most-nominated film in Academy Awards history.
Membership in the Academy is based on sponsorship rather than application, with nominees automatically considered in the year of their nomination. The new members will be added to the Academy's rolls upon acceptance, contributing to the organization's ongoing efforts to promote diversity and excellence in the film industry.