Every New Actor, Actress and Filmmaker Invited to the Academy This Year

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has welcomed a fresh wave of talent to its ranks this year, bringing together a diverse group of actors, actresses, and filmmakers who have left their mark on cinema. From rising stars to established names, the 2025 class showcases the vibrant energy shaping today’s film industry.

This group of 534 invitees, announced on June 26, 2025, includes performers and directors who have delivered standout work in recent projects, earning them a spot in Hollywood’s prestigious voting body. Below, we dive into the actors and filmmakers invited, highlighting their recent contributions and what makes them stand out.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler has captivated audiences with her powerful performances, most notably in ‘The Piano Lesson’ (2024) and ‘Till’ (2022). Her ability to bring depth to complex characters, like the mother of Emmett Till, has earned her critical acclaim. Deadwyler’s raw emotional range makes her a vital addition to the Academy.

Paul Walter Hauser

Paul Walter Hauser brings a unique intensity to every role, seen in ‘Richard Jewell’ (2019) and ‘I, Tonya’ (2017). His knack for blending humor with drama, especially as real-life figures, has made him a standout. Hauser’s growing presence in film secures his place among the Academy’s new members.

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan, known for her Emmy-winning role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017-2023), shines on the big screen in ‘The Amateur’ (2025) and ‘I’m Your Woman’ (2020). Her sharp wit and commanding presence make her a natural fit for the Academy’s acting branch.

Jane Schoenbrun

Director Jane Schoenbrun has redefined indie filmmaking with ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024) and ‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ (2021). Their bold, introspective storytelling explores identity and connection, earning them a well-deserved invite to the directors branch.

Margaret Qualley

Margaret Qualley’s fearless performances in ‘The Substance’ (2024) and ‘Poor Things’ (2023) highlight her versatility. From quirky to intense roles, she consistently delivers. Her rising star power makes her a thrilling addition to the Academy.

Stephen Graham

Stephen Graham’s gritty performances in ‘Boiling Point’ (2021) and ‘The Irishman’ (2019) showcase his ability to steal scenes. His raw energy and authenticity, often in intense dramas, make him a strong new voice in the Academy.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson, iconic for ‘The X-Files’ (1993-2018), has also made waves in films like ‘The Last King of Scotland’ (2006) and ‘The House of Mirth’ (2000). Her commanding screen presence and decades of impactful work earn her a spot in the Academy.

Fernanda Torres

Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, celebrated for ‘I’m Still Here’ (2024) and ‘Love Me Forever or Never’ (1986), brings a rich legacy to the Academy. Her recent Oscar-nominated role showcases her enduring talent and emotional depth.

Monica Barbaro

Monica Barbaro’s dynamic performances in ‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024) and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022) highlight her range. From music biopics to high-flying action, she’s proving herself a versatile talent worthy of Academy membership.

Gints Zilbalodis

Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, invited to the animation, directors, and writers branches, is a visionary behind ‘Flow’ (2024) and ‘Away’ (2019). His unique, handcrafted animated films blend stunning visuals with deep emotion, marking him as a rising star.

Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan’s compelling work in ‘The Apprentice’ (2024) and ‘A Different Man’ (2024) showcases his ability to tackle complex characters. Known for his Marvel roles, his recent dramatic turns cement his Academy invite.

Coralie Fargeat

French director Coralie Fargeat, invited to both the directors and writers branches, stunned audiences with ‘The Substance’ (2024) and ‘Revenge’ (2017). Her bold, visceral storytelling pushes boundaries, making her a standout addition.

Mikey Madison

Mikey Madison’s breakout role in ‘Anora’ (2024), which earned her a Best Actress Oscar, alongside ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ (2019), showcases her raw talent. Her ability to embody fierce, layered characters makes her a perfect Academy member.

Conan O’Brien

Comedian and host Conan O’Brien, who emceed the 2025 Oscars, brings his sharp wit to the Academy. His decades of entertaining audiences, including his recent Oscars gig, make him a unique addition to the membership.

Adam Pearson

Adam Pearson’s powerful performances in ‘A Different Man’ (2024) and ‘Under the Skin’ (2013) highlight his ability to bring depth to unconventional roles. His advocacy for disability representation adds further weight to his Academy invite.

Jeremy Strong

Jeremy Strong’s intense portrayals in ‘The Apprentice’ (2024) and ‘The Big Short’ (2015) show his mastery of complex characters. His commitment to immersive acting makes him a strong addition to the Academy’s acting branch.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande, known for her music, shines as an actress in ‘Wicked’ (2024) and ‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021). Her Oscar-nominated role in ‘Wicked’ proves her screen talent, earning her a well-deserved Academy invite.

Mike Flanagan

Horror maestro Mike Flanagan, behind ‘Doctor Sleep’ (2019) and ‘Gerald’s Game’ (2017), brings his chilling storytelling to the Academy’s directors branch. His ability to blend terror with heart makes him a standout.

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista’s commanding presence in ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024) and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022) showcases his shift from wrestling to acting. His charisma and range make him a great Academy addition.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa’s larger-than-life roles in ‘Dune’ (2021) and ‘Aquaman’ (2018) highlight his action-hero prowess. His ability to bring heart to blockbuster roles earns him a spot in the Academy.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott’s haunting performance in ‘All of Us Strangers’ (2023) and charming turn in ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ (2022) show his versatility. His emotional depth makes him a compelling new Academy member.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith’s unique energy in ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024) and ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ (2024) marks him as a rising star. His ability to blend humor and introspection secures his Academy invite.

Kieran Culkin

Kieran Culkin, fresh off a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for ‘A Real Pain’ (2024), also starred in ‘Igby Goes Down’ (2002). His sharp wit and emotional range make him a standout addition to the Academy.

Brady Corbet

Brady Corbet, invited to both the directors and writers branches, crafted the epic ‘The Brutalist’ (2024) and ‘Vox Lux’ (2018). His ambitious, thought-provoking films make him a vital new Academy voice.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza’s quirky charm shines in ‘My Old Ass’ (2024) and ‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022). Her ability to balance comedy and drama with ease earns her a well-deserved spot in the Academy.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin’s captivating roles in ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and ‘My Policeman’ (2022) highlight their rising star power. Their nuanced performances make them a strong addition to the Academy’s acting branch.

Yura Borisov

Russian actor Yura Borisov, known for ‘Anora’ (2024) and ‘Compartment No. 6’ (2021), brings raw intensity to his roles. His recent Oscar-nominated performance cements his place in the Academy.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer’s commanding work in ‘The Bikeriders’ (2024) and ‘The Last Duel’ (2021) showcases her versatility. From period dramas to modern tales, her talent makes her a perfect Academy member.

Naomi Ackie

Naomi Ackie’s dynamic performances in ‘Mickey 17’ (2025) and ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ (2022) highlight her range. Her ability to embody real-life figures earns her an Academy invite.

Adria Arjona

Adria Arjona’s vibrant roles in ‘Blink Twice’ (2024) and ‘Hit Man’ (2023) show her knack for action and comedy. Her growing presence in Hollywood makes her a fitting Academy addition.

Halina Reijn

Dutch director Halina Reijn, behind ‘Babygirl’ (2024) and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ (2022), brings sharp, provocative storytelling to the directors branch. Her bold vision makes her a standout Academy invitee.

Which new Academy member are you most excited about, or is there a favorite project of theirs you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!