John Kani has been elected to be a member of Oscars
South African theatre and film legend John Kani has been officially inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body responsible for the Oscars.
The announcement, which comes just days before his 82nd birthday on 30 August 2025, has been met with pride and celebration across the country.
Taking to his official X (Twitter) account on 26 August, Kani shared the milestone with his followers.
“I have the honour and pleasure to announce that I have been elected to serve as a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Oscars. I promise to serve this institution with honesty and integrity.”
Kani, who has dedicated decades to championing authentic South African stories on stage and screen, is widely celebrated both at home and internationally.
He already holds some of the highest honours, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver (OIS) and the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
By joining the Academy, he takes his place alongside other notable South Africans who have previously been inducted, such as producer Anant Singh, casting director Moonyeenn Lee, cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay, and filmmaker Don Edkins.
