Three Armenians—actor Karren Karagulian, producer Eric Esrailian, and composer Andranik Berberyan—have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, informs the Armenian Film Society.
The Academy has extended invitations to 534 artists and executives worldwide who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to theatrical motion pictures and are now welcome to join one of the Academy’s 19 branches. This incoming 2025 class consists of 41% women, 45% individuals from underrepresented communities, and 55% members from 60 countries and territories outside the United States. Those accepting their invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2025.
Karren Karagulian — Actors Branch
Armenian-American actor Karren Karagulian is best known for his longstanding collaboration with filmmaker Sean Baker. He has appeared in Tangerine, The Florida Project, Starlet, Prince of Broadway, and most recently Anora, which won Best Picture at both Cannes and the Oscars—marking a milestone for Armenian-language cinema . For Anora, he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance .
Eric Esrailian — Associates Branch
Physician, film producer, and UCLA gastroenterologist Eric Esrailian is an Emmy-nominated producer recognized for The Promise (2016), Intent to Destroy (2017), and I Am Not Alone (2019) . He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, led the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA, and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his humanitarian and advocacy work .
Andranik Berberyan — Music Branch
Yerevan-born composer Andranik Berberyan founded Armenia’s Berberyan Production Studios and holds degrees in Composition and Conducting from the Yerevan State Conservatory . His film credits include Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev, Songs of Solomon, and Amerikatsi, which was Armenia’s entry to the Academy Awards and earned him the Anahit Prize for Best Sound Design .
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement: “We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy. Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.”
