Academy’s New Oscar Voter Class Expands Diversity, With Jenna Ortega And Teyana Taylor Among Standout Invitees
Jenna Ortega and Teyana Talyor -Matt Winkelmeyer/Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited over 529 new members to join its ranks, continuing its efforts to broaden representation across the film industry. Among the high-profile invitees, Jenna Ortega and Teyana Taylor are two of the most prominent people of color (POC) cited in the announcement, joining a class that reflects the Academy’s ongoing diversity initiatives.
Ortega has emerged as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, earning acclaim for her lead role in Netflix’s Wednesday, while also appearing in films such as Scream, Scream VI, X, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The Mexican and Puerto Rican actress has become one of the industry’s most recognizable Gen Z talents, helping bring greater Latino representation to mainstream film and television.
Taylor, a singer, actress, choreographer, and director, has expanded her career well beyond music in recent years. She received widespread critical praise for her starring role in A Thousand and One and most recently earned awards buzz for her performance in One Battle After Another. As a multihyphenate creative, Taylor has become one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile Black female artists.
According to the Academy, if all invitees accept:
529 new members have been invited
42% are women
56% come from underrepresented racial or ethnic communities
53% are international, representing over 60 countries and territories outside the U.S.
The Academy's total membership would increase to 11,319 members, including 10,338 voting members, with the organization’s diversity set at:
36% women
25% from underrepresented communities
22% international
With a new generation of actors, filmmakers, and creatives joining its voting body, the Academy continues to reshape the organization responsible for selecting Oscar winners. The addition of rising stars like Jenna Ortega and Teyana Taylor highlights the industry’s evolving landscape while reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to building a membership that better reflects the diversity of today’s global film community.