Oscars invite record numbers to vote following diversity row

The organisers of the Oscars have invited a record number of new people to vote for next year's awards, following the diversity row that overshadowed this year's ceremony.

Star Wars actor John Boyega, Luther star Idris Elba and rapper Ice Cube are among 683 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

It is double the number of people invited from last year, and comes after the academy was criticised for having a lack of diversity among the nominees at this year's Oscars.

None of the nominees for best actor and actress, or best supporting actor and actress at this year's awards was from an ethnic minority.

It prompted actor Will Smith and director Spike Lee to boycott the ceremony in February.

The academy had already pledged to double the number of "women and diverse members" by 2020, and added the group of people invited this year include 46% women and 41% "people of colour".

Actor Will Smith boycotted this year's award ceremony following the race row. Credit: PA

Among the new entrees are British stars Emma Watson, Kate Beckinsale, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Rylance.

Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the new members represented "the best in our global film community, and who have made a lasting impact on movie fans everywhere"