New Delhi, June 27, 2026: The global film community is opening its doors wider to Indian cinema. In a major milestone for Indian film craft, celebrated costume designer Eka Lakhani has been officially invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of its prestigious 2026 membership class.
The Academy—the governing body responsible for organizing the annual Academy Awards (the Oscars)—announced a select global cohort of 529 film professionals this year. For Lakhani, who has spent years meticulously weaving narratives through fabrics and textures in Indian cinema, the invitation is a profound validation of her creative journey. Expressing her gratitude, Lakhani shared that it is an immense “honour to join a community of artists I’ve admired” from afar throughout her career.
From Indian Sets to the Global Stage
Lakhani’s invitation to the Academy highlights her steady rise as one of the most trusted and inventive costume designers in modern Indian cinema. Known for her ability to seamlessly balance historical accuracy with contemporary flair, her portfolio spans across some of the biggest industries in Indian film, including Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema.
Her creative range has been visible in several high-profile projects over the last few years:
- Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan franchise: Lakhani took on the monumental task of recreating the visual majesty of the 10th-century Chola dynasty, earning widespread acclaim for the intricate silk garments, armor, and traditional jewelry.
- Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: She pivoted completely to high-fashion, vibrant, and emotionally expressive modern Indian wardrobes that defined the film’s visual identity.
- Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo: She demonstrated her knack for designing grounded, character-driven wardrobes that blend seamlessly into gritty and everyday realities.
By joining the Academy’s Costume Designers branch, Lakhani moves from being a spectator of international cinema to actively shaping its future, holding the power to vote on future Oscar nominations and winners.
A Strong Year for Indian Representation
Lakhani is not alone in receiving this recognition. The Academy’s 2026 class features a robust and diverse wave of Indian talent across multiple technical and creative filmmaking disciplines. This strong showing reinforces the fact that global awards bodies are looking well beyond acting and directing to honor the foundational crafts of Indian filmmaking.
The inclusion of Dilip Shankar is particularly historic, as he joins the Academy’s newly established Casting Directors branch, a category that will see its very first competitive Oscar statuette handed out at the upcoming ceremonies. Other India-linked professionals invited this year include production experts Farah Khan and Rajesh Ramachandran, alongside visual effects specialists Becky Graham and Jay Mehta.
The Academy’s Push for Global Diversity
The 2026 intake reflects a deliberate, multi-year strategy by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to build a more inclusive, international voting body. Ten years ago, the Oscar voting pool was criticized for being overwhelmingly American, male, and white. Today, the demographic shift is visible in the numbers.
According to demographic data released alongside the official 2026 invite list:
- Global Reach: 53% of the 529 new invitees come from 60 countries and territories outside the United States.
- Gender Parity: Women make up 42% of the incoming class.
- Underrepresented Communities: 56% of the 2026 invitees belong to historically underrepresented communities.
If all of this year’s 529 invitees accept their invitations—which is standard practice—the Academy’s total membership will rise to 11,319, pushing the number of active, voting members to a record 10,338. The class also features prominent Hollywood and international stars, including actors Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi, Jon Bernthal, Josh O’Connor, and filmmaker duo Benny and Josh Safdie, placing Lakhani and her Indian peers among an elite global contemporary group.
Why Technical Recognition Matters
For decades, the global narrative surrounding Indian cinema was often limited to its music or a few arthouse directors. The inclusion of technicians like Eka Lakhani, Deepa Bhatia, and Sreekar Prasad changes that conversation entirely. It acknowledges that the technical execution, world-building, and visual grammar of Indian films are on par with international standards.
For Lakhani, the invitation marks a full-circle moment. Beginning her journey assisting top designers and slowly climbing the ranks to become the visual architect behind some of India’s biggest cinematic spectacles, her entry into the Academy is a win for the behind-the-scenes artists who define how stories look, feel, and breathe. As she steps into her role as an Academy voter, her presence ensures that the Indian perspective will have a direct voice in defining cinematic excellence on the world’s grandest stage.