Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that India had the largest film industry in the world and thus it deserved at least one category in Oscars where its movies could compete among themselves. This gesture would bring more credibility to Oscars also in the international arena, as it was long overdue. 

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that cinema in India, based in Mumbai and various regional centres, reportedly produced much more films and drew much larger audience globally than Hollywood (which released only 610 movies in 2008). It was unfair for such an influential cinema not to have its own category at Oscars. Foreign Language Film Award at Oscars, where only one picture was accepted from each country, did not do justice to such a large industry, Zed added. 

Academy, launched in 1927 and dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures, has over 6,000 artists and professionals as honorary members, including actors like Jack Nicholson (One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest), directors like Steven Spielberg (Schindler’s List), executives like Steve Jobs (Pixar), musicians like Elton John (The Lion King), writers like Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (A Room with a View), etc located in Beverly Hills (California), Sidney Ganis (The Master of Disguise) is its president, while Bruce Davis is the executive director. Silent film “Wings” (William A Wellman) won the first best picture award in 1929, while “Slumdog Millionaire” (Danny Boyle) was the best film at 81st ceremony in February last. Katharine Hepburn (On Golden Pond) won record four awards in best actress category. The 82nd Academy Awards presentation will take place on March 7, 2010, in Hollywood (California). 

Awards, in the form of the gold statuette trophy of the Academy (Oscar), are conferred annually for the following categories currently: acting, animated feature film, art direction, cinematography, costume design, directing, documentary, film editing, foreign language film, makeup, music, best picture, short film, sound editing, sound mixing, visual effects, writing, Testimonial Awards, Special Awards.