Film academy president welcomes new members at private party

John Bailey says the real benefit of belonging to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is being connected to the past and future of filmmaking. (Photo: Academy of Motion Pictures Los Angeles Events/Facebook)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.— The president of the film academy says being a member isn’t just about getting all those free DVD screeners during Oscar season.

John Bailey says the real benefit of belonging to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is being connected to the past and future of filmmaking.

Bailey made the remarks at a private reception Monday for the organization’s newest members at the academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills, California. The group invited its largest class in history 774 people to join its ranks in June.

Academy chief Dawn Hudson said the new membership class reflects a “re-envisioning of the academy as a truly international institution.” The group has been working in recent years to diversify its historically white, male membership.