Legendary Indian actor Kamal Haasan has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a voting member for the 2025 Oscars. This honour places him among a select group of 534 new invitees from around the world, recognising his decades-long contribution to cinema.
Kamal Haasan, whose career spans more than 60 years, is known not just for his powerful performances but also for his work as a filmmaker, writer and producer. His films, like Nayakan and Vikram, have earned both critical acclaim and box office success. Now, as a member of the Oscar voting panel, he will play a direct role in choosing nominees and winners for the 2026 Academy Awards.
His selection comes at a time when the Academy is working to bring in more voices from around the world. This year’s list of new members includes many from under-represented backgrounds, and over half are from outside the United States. Joining Kamal in this year’s group are fellow Indian talents like actor Ayushmann Khurrana and filmmaker Payal Kapadia.
The news has been met with pride and celebration across India. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin called it a well-earned recognition of Kamal Haasan’s global influence. Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan also praised the honour, saying it reflects Kamal Haasan talent and contribution to Indian cinema.
For fans and the film industry alike, this is more than just a personal achievement for Kamal Haasan, it’s a moment of pride for Indian cinema as a whole. His voice now joins those shaping the future of international film awards.
