John Boyega wants to spark change within the Academy

John Boyega is hoping to spark change after becoming a member of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences.

Earlier this year the Academy sparked a fierce backlash after the 2016 Oscars, due to the lack of diversity seen in the nominees. Stars like Jada Pinkett Smith and her husband Will boycotted the annual awards show, with many others jumping on the #OscarsSoWhite movement.

In the wake of the controversy, Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs promised change was on its way. On Wednesday (29June16) it was announced which new stars had been invited to join the Academy, with black actors John and Idris Elba, Latina actress America Ferrera and Indian star Freida Pinto among the 683 people to be asked.

"Always a blessing to be one of the many Oscar voters that will hopefully spark change. Big thanks! #classof2016," John tweeted, with a picture of his invitation.

Fans were quick to congratulate the Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor, who won the 2016 BAFTA Rising Star award.

The record number of invitations sent out by the Academy this year saw 46 per cent of the requests sent to women, including Kate Beckinsale, Gabrielle Union and Eva Mendes and 41 per cent to people of color, with Ice Cube and Marlon Wayans also on the list.

Currently the Academy estimates that membership stands at just 25 per cent female and 8 per cent people of color.

Other stars also took to Twitter after being asked to join the Academy. Being Mary Jane actress Gabrielle posted: "Huge honor... And I cannot wait to vote," while Ugly Betty star America posted: "As a child I'd dream of opportunity 2 express my talent &now I get 2 create opportunity 4 others. Thanks @TheAcademy."