Kamal at the Oscars! South Star, Global Stage
Despite a recent stumble at the box office with Thug Life, South Indian cinema icon Kamal Haasan is proving that true stardom is not measured by a single film’s fate. In a stunning comeback of recognition, the legendary actor has been invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—the governing body of the Oscars.
On June, 26, the Academy announced its "Class of 2025", an elite group of 534 global film professionals selected across disciplines. Among them are three notable Indian names: Kamal Haasan, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, and celebrated filmmaker Payal Kapadia, fresh off her Grand Prix win at Cannes 2024.
Haasan and Khurrana have been invited to join the Actors Branch, acknowledging their body of work—Vikram, Nayakan, Article 15, and Andhadhun, respectively—while Kapadia joins the Writers Branch, following acclaim for A Night of Knowing Nothing and All We Imagine As Light.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm, stating:
"Through their dedication to cinema and the larger film industry, these extraordinary individuals have made indelible contributions to global filmmaking."
Unlike open applications, Academy membership is by invitation only, a distinction earned through industry impact and peer recognition. Joining the ranks this year are also international stars like Ariana Grande, Kieran Culkin, and Mickey Madison, as well as key studio heads from Disney, Sony, and MUBI.
For Kamal Haasan, this is not just an invitation—it’s a validation of decades of cinematic excellence. He may have faced a rough patch recently, but his influence, artistry, and stature continue to command global respect.
As India’s cinematic power expands on the world stage, Kamal Haasan’s journey reminds us:
Legends never fade—they evolve.