The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, dubbed as The Home of The Oscars, just released a massive new list of 819 invitees to join its organization.
The invitations recognized those “who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures,” including four Lebanese artists and creatives.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences,” announced the Academy President, David Rubin.
“We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” he added.
This year, the Academy has diversified the voting members, and that is in response to complaints that its voting body was primarily made up of white males.
In 2016, The Academy set inclusion goals for 2020, aiming to double the number of women and minority members.
Comes 2020, it has surpassed its goal with 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries.
The invited Lebanese artists who will vote this year are:
- Director Mounia Akl,
- Sound editor Rana Eid,
- Film critic Rima Mismar,
- Music composer Khaled Mouzanar, composer of the Oscar-nominated Capernaum, and husband of Nadine Labaki.
A handful of artists from the MENA region have also been invited, including Palestinian filmmaker Mai Masri, Tunisian director Meryam Joobeur, and many more.
