Actors Idris Elba, America Ferrera, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Eva Mendes and this year’s best actress Oscar winner Brie Larson were among the 683 potential new members, the academy said in a statement.
Forty-six percent of those invited are female and 41% are people of colour, aged 24 to 91, said the organisation, whose members also include directors, producers, cinematographers and composers.
“This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today,” Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in the statement.
“We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry.”
All 20 acting Oscar nominees this year were white for a second consecutive year, prompting criticism with the online hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. Oscars host Chris Rock provided biting commentary during the awards show, which was boycotted by director Spike Lee and actress Jada Pinkett Smith.
The largely white, male and older roster of film industry professionals who belong to the academy has long been cited as a barrier to racial and gender equality at the Oscars.
