The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan and Alia Bhatt to attend the forthcoming ceremony along with 819 other names including Indian casting directors Nandini Shrikent and Tess Joseph, National Award winning costume designer Neeta Lulla, documentary filmmakers Nishtha Jain and Amit Madheshiya, visual effects supervisors Vishal Anand and Sandeep Kamal along with film score composer Nainita Desai.

The Academy published its list of invitees on Tuesday on their website. The invitees will join the 93rd Academy Awards which is scheduled to be held on April 25, 2021.

“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.  The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries,” the release said. 

Of the 819 invitees, 75 of them have been nominated for Oscars, while 15 of them have been the winners in the past. Five of them are recipients of Science and Technical Awards. Academy President David Rubin said, “The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences.  We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” 

The organisation expressed its delight for having included members from diversified ranks. This year is also the first time members of talent agencies have been invited to the ceremony.

The Academy has been inviting Indians to the ceremony over the years. Among the noted personalities are Irrfan Khan, A.r. Rehman, Gulzar, Anil Kapoor, Ali Fazal and others.