Leslie Odom Jr., Steven Yeun Among 395 Academy Invitees

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Thursday announced 395 artists and executives were invited to join the organization for the Class of 2021. The Academy extends invitations to relevant industry professionals who have "distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures."

Among this year's invitees are Leslie Odom Jr., Henry Golding, H.E.R., Janet Jackson, Kenya Barris and Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Eight individuals, including Odom Jr., were invited in multiple branches and must select a single category when accepting their invitation.

89 of the 325 invitees are former Oscar nominees, 25 of whom have won the award. The Academy said the 2021 class is 46% women, 39% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 55% international from 49 countries outside of the U.S.

"The Academy’s Board of Governors voted on branch-specific guidelines to be applied in determining this year’s new membership invitees," the organization said in a news release. "Oscar winners and nominees were considered without limitation by applicable branches. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2021.

The number of membership invites this year were roughly half of what has been the norm in recent years, in order to ensure the necessary infrastructure, staff resources and support for all members, the Academy said.