What is the story about?
The Oscars season will begin shortly, but before that, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended invitations to 529 artists and executives
to join the organisation. According to the official website, this year’s invitees include 21 winners, and three Scientific and Technical Award recipients. Out of them, those who accept the invitation would be eligible to secure the Academy’s membership. While several South Asians have been invited, Hindi cinema’s prominent filmmaker, Vishal Bhardwaj, also received the invitation. As per the website, Vishal has been named in the music category for Crazxy and Gustaakh Ishq.
Vishal Bhardwaj receives invitation for the Academy membership
Besides Vishal, no other name from Bollywood features on the list. The other invited celebrities are Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu. Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Sopé Dìrísù and Stephen Fry are also invited, along with filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, Weapons director Zach Cregger and Sirât filmmaker Oliver Laxe.
What's the process for the Academy's membership
As per the Academy’s website, the membership process for its 19 branches and one membership classification is conducted by sponsorship, not application. Additionally, nominees are automatically considered for membership in the year in which they are nominated and do not require sponsors.
The process also includes branch executive committees reviewing candidates. Their recommendations are then reviewed by the Membership Committee and presented to the Board of Governors for final approval.
According to the Academy’s rule, membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority. Of the 2026 invited class, 42 per cent are women, 56 per cent belong to underrepresented communities, and 53 per cent are from 60 countries and territories outside the United States.
Vishal Bhardwaj's career in music
Before becoming a filmmaker, Vishal got his first break with Gulzar. They worked together on the Hindi version of The Jungle Book, and made the title song Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai immensely popular among children. He debuted as a music composer with Abhay (1995), however, Maachis (1996) established him as one of Bollywood's most original new composers.
After Maachis’ success, Bhardwaj composed soundtracks for films including Satya (1998), Chachi 420 (1997), Hu Tu Tu (1999), Godmother (1999), and Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001). Godmother won the National Film Awards for Best Music Direction.
Even after becoming a director, he continued composing music for his films, including Omkara, Maqbool and Haider.
