Veronica Ferres (61) can celebrate a special honor from the Oscar Academy: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited the actress to become part of the organization. This is evident from an Academy announcement dated June 24. Ferres is listed in the actors category, with the films "The Comedian" and the German classic "Schtonk!" mentioned.
A total of 529 artists and industry representatives are to be newly admitted this year. According to the Academy, among those invited are 95 Oscar nominees, including 21 winners.
Prominent Company
Ferres joins an illustrious group. Other invited actors include Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Mia Goth, Julia Garner, Josh O'Connor, Simu Liu, and Bill Skarsgård. Also invited are directors, cinematographers, costume designers, editors, producers, and representatives of numerous other crafts.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their delight about the new class. They stated they are pleased "to invite this remarkable group of filmmakers and professionals from around the world to join the Academy". Through their commitment, the class has "made significant contributions to our global film industry".
How Admission Works
Those who wish to become Academy members cannot apply themselves: admission is by nomination. Oscar nominees are automatically considered in the year of their nomination and do not need sponsors. The candidates are first decided upon by the boards of the individual branches, then a membership committee reviews the recommendations before the Board of Governors gives final approval.
According to the Academy, representation remains a priority in the selection process: 42 percent of this year's class are women, 56 percent belong to underrepresented groups, and 53 percent come from 60 countries and territories outside the United States. Only those who accept the invitation will be added as new members in 2026. They will then also generally be part of the Oscar voting body. If all invitees accept, the Academy will count 11,319 members, including 10,338 voting members.
