PARIS: In a move aimed at expanding diversity and inclusivity within the organization, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to music superstars Taylor Swift and The Weeknd to join the prestigious Oscars voting body, it was announced on Wednesday.
The Academy’s latest batch of invitations includes notable figures from the entertainment industry, with a total of 398 individuals being welcomed into the organization. This number is significantly lower than previous years as the Academy made efforts to increase the representation of women and non-white members, responding to criticism over the lack of diversity in Oscar nominations that led to the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.
Other Invitees to Oscars Panel
Among the invitees are Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the directors of the critically acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which received seven Oscars this year, including the coveted Best Picture award.
The 2023 class of the Academy comprises 40 percent women, 34 percent individuals from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 52 percent members hailing from 50 countries and territories outside the United States. With this diverse lineup, the Academy aims to foster a more inclusive and globally representative voting body.
Taylor Swift, known for her chart-topping hits, has been recognized for her song “Carolina,” featured in the movie “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Similarly, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, received an invitation for his tune “Nothing is Lost (You Give Me Strength),” featured in the film “Avatar: Way of Water.”
Membership in the Academy is a prerequisite for voting on Oscar winners, highlighting the significance of this invitation for Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and the other new members. The Oscars ceremony for the upcoming year is scheduled to take place on March 10.
