The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continues to grow with iconic Hollywood faces.
Invitations to join the academy were accepted by some elite actors and actresses including Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan and John Boyega. Other stars including Kate Beckinsale, Alicia Vikander and Brie Larson received invitations to join the group of members, which now totals 638.
The new group of members includes 28 Oscar winners, 283 international members and 98 nominees. It now represents 59 countries around the world. The latest invitations also address criticism from the lack of diversity. Now, its members include 27 percent female and 11 percent people of color.
This year, the controversy took to social media with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite because the nominees included all white actors for the second year consecutively.
Its president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, said, “We’re proud to welcome these new members to the Academy, and know they view this as an opportunity and not just an invitation, a mission and not just a membership. This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today. We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry.”
At this year’s awards ceremony, stars including Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith boycotted the Oscars, even though it was hosted by Chris Rock. The comedian was able to have fun with the controversy, however, saying, “Jada got mad, she said she’s not coming. Doesn’t she have a TV show? Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties – I wasn’t invited! You get mad that Will was this good and didn’t get nominated [for his role in ‘Concussion‘]. It’s also not fair that Will was paid $20m to do ‘Wild Wild West.‘”