The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it has extended an invitation to 819 artists and executives to diversify the prestigious group's ranks.

In 2016, the Academy set a goal to double the number of women and underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities by 2020, which this new generation of Academy members achieved. In a new press release, the Academy announces that the new group is comprised of 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries. Among its ranks are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards.

In the press release, Academy President David Rubin spoke about the new inclusive group of Academy members:

"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."

Academy CEO Dawn Hudson also spoke about the initiative, specifically crediting Lorenza Munoz, Head of Membership and Awards at the Academy who spearheaded the change.

"We take great pride in the strides we have made in exceeding our initial inclusion goals set back in 2016, but acknowledge the road ahead is a long one. We are committed to staying the course. I cannot give enough thanks to all our members and staff who worked on the A2020 initiative and to our head of Member Relations and Awards, Lorenza Muñoz, for her leadership and passion in guiding us through to this point and helping to set the path going forward. We look forward to continuing to foster an Academy that reflects the world around us in our membership, our programs, our new Museum, and in our awards."

Among the 819 actors, cinematographers, directors, and more honored are Zendaya, Cynthia Erivo, Awkwafina, Eva Longoria, Beanie Feldstein, and Constance Wu. For the full list, click here.

This news marks a huge step towards more representation and diversity not just in the Academy, but in all nominees, award winners and voters, and artists in general.