'Thrilled & proud': Farah Khan reacts to Academy invitation; Could soon join Oscar voting panel

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan has added another prestigious achievement to her illustrious career. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited her to become part of its 2026 membership.

If she accepts the invitation, Farah will join the global organisation whose members vote to determine the nominees and winners at the Academy Awards.The latest list also features several distinguished names from the Indian film industry. Filmmakers, editors, technicians and creative professionals have been recognised for their contribution to cinema.

Farah Khan shares her excitement

Farah took to Instagram to announce the news and expressed her happiness over the recognition.

The filmmaker, who has directed several successful films and choreographed numerous iconic songs, described the invitation as a proud moment. Reacting to the honour, she wrote, "Thrilled & proud to be a part of this esteemed group." If she accepts the invitation, Farah will officially become a member of the Academy and take part in voting for future Oscar nominees and winners.

Academy invites 529 professionals worldwide

This year, the Academy has invited 529 artists, filmmakers and industry executives from around the world to join its membership.

The annual invitation recognises individuals who have made significant contributions across various branches of filmmaking. The initiative also reflects the Academy's commitment to expanding its global community by welcoming professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries.

According to Variety, members who accept the invitation will become part of an international organisation comprising more than 11,000 film professionals.

Several Indian names feature on the list

Farah Khan is not the only Indian film personality to receive the prestigious invitation this year. Acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, known for directing celebrated films such as Maqbool, Omkara and Haider, has also been invited to join the Academy. The list further includes renowned editors A. Sreekar Prasad and Deepa Bhatia. Apart from filmmakers and editors, the Academy has recognised several professionals working behind the scenes. Costume designer Eka Lakhani, casting director Dilip Shankar and documentary filmmaker Shalini Kantayya have all received invitations. The Academy has also invited professionals with strong ties to the Indian film industry across different branches. These include Avneet Kaur in the Animation branch, Rajesh Ramachandran in Production and Technology, and Becky Graham and Jay Mehta in the Visual Effects branch.

What Academy membership means

Becoming a member of the Academy is regarded as one of the highest honours in the global film industry. Those who accept the invitation receive full voting rights for the Academy Awards within their respective branches and contribute to selecting future Oscar nominees and winners.Coming to Farah Khan, her last directorial was the Shah Rukh Khan and

Deepika Padukone

film 'Happy New Year'.