LOS ANGELES — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 529 film professionals to join its membership for 2026, including several contributors to the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” and filmmakers from South Korea.
The Academy announced the invitations on Wednesday, with seven members of the “KPop Demon Hunters” team making the list across its animation and music branches. Those invited include directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, as well as singer-songwriter Ejae, who voiced lead character Rumi and co-wrote the song “Golden.”
The Academy automatically considers Oscar nominees for membership in the year they receive their nominations. “KPop Demon Hunters” won the Academy Awards for best animated feature and best original song at the 98th Oscars in March.
South Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, director of “I Saw the Devil” and “Cobweb,” received an invitation to the directors branch.
Cinematographer Kim Woo-hyung and screenwriter Lee Kyoung-mi also received invitations for their work on “No Other Choice,” directed by Park Chan-wook and selected as South Korea’s entry for the international feature film category at this year’s Academy Awards.
Korean American actor Kenneth Choi, known for his roles in “The Wolf of Wall Street” and the “Spider-Man” films, also received an invitation.
Academy members who accept the invitations become eligible to vote in future Academy Awards. Aside from Oscar nominees, prospective members must receive sponsorship from two existing members of their respective Academy branch.
Other invitees include actors Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Jenna Ortega and Josh O’Connor, “Weapons” director Zach Cregger, and Disney Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro.
According to the Academy, women account for 42 percent of this year’s invited class, while 56 percent come from underrepresented communities and 53 percent represent 60 countries and territories outside the United States.
If all 529 invitees accept, the Academy’s membership will increase to 11,319, including 10,338 voting members.
