After a row of inevitable pushbacks following the ravaging wildfires that halted every high-profile Hollywood pursuit, the Academy finally rolled out its nomination roster for this year’s award season. The predictions started way early, and since the nomination chart has been out, every tabloid has been busy with what should have been instead of what is. However, amidst the heightening anticipation for the upcoming Academy Awards, curiosity has reached a fever pitch regarding The Weeknd’s association with the Oscars.

For those wondering whether The Weeknd is an Academy member or not, here is the scoop. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended invitations to 398 A-listers and executives in 2023 to become a part of the organization, including The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Austin Butler, and Keke Palmer, among others. Although this tradition is maintained every year, each edition of the Academy Awards comes with a class of new invitees. Membership selection primarily depends upon professional qualifications, but their contemporary relevance in representation plays just as much a role.

Additionally, inclusion and equity remain a priority for every refreshing slate of new members. In 2023, the Academy included 40% women and 34% of underrepresented ethnic or racial communities with 52% coming from 50 nations beyond the US. Speculation has been brewing among fans that The Weeknd’s Academy membership was responsible for Selena Gomez’s Oscar snub. However, a closer examination reveals he is part of the music branch, rendering him ineligible to vote in acting categories.

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That said, although Selena Gomez could not clench her actor’s dream with an Academy nomination, her film did wonders.

When Emilia Pérez premiered last year, the Academy discussions followed Selena Gomez without catching a breath. Although Gomez fell short of the Oscar dreams, the Oscar frontrunner lived up to its expectations with 13 whopping nominations to its name. The French musical earned nods for Best Picture, and Best International Feature Film, and Jacques Audiard touched down with the Best Director and Writing nods.

The Academy nominated Karla Sofia Gascon for the Lead Actress and Zoë Saldaña for the Supporting Actress categories. Meanwhile, the film also earned nominations for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Cinematography. Lastly, it has its footing in categories including Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, and Best Sound (X2). Considering Emilia Pérez has already made history with its leading nominations, it goes without saying that The Weeknd had little to nothing to do with the snub after all.

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