THE Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 819 artists and executives to join the organization in 2020. The new members include Chinese director/actor Wu Jing, actor Huang Jue and actress Zhao Tao.

In doing so, the Academy continues its work on diversifying its ranks. If all 819 invitees accept their invitations (which would bring its total membership to 9,412), 45 percent of the new members will be women and 36 percent are from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. International make-up is 49 percent from 68 countries.

“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,” said Academy president David Rubin said in a statement.

In 2016, as part of its A2020 initiative, the Academy promised to at least double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by this year.

“Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed both these goals,” the organization said.

Branches that invited more women than men include actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary, executives, makeup artists and hairstylists and marketing and public relations.

Branches that invited the majority of their candidates from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities are actors, casting directors, directors, music and producers.

The majority of candidates from international regions were invited by actors, casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, documentary, film editors, makeup artists and hairstylists, music, producers, short films & feature animation, visual effects and writers. (SD-Agencies)