|
More secretive than the CIA and just as powerful, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences has the ability to turn actors into icons. We could find no master list of members, but we did track down some interesting factoids on Hollywood's most exclusive club. The Academy is made up of approximately 6,000 members. They include actors, directors, editors, costume designers, writers, composers, etc. Every year, the Academy invites new members to fill vacancies after others retire or pass away. In 2006, the Academy asked 120 new members to join including Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel Weisz,
and (brace yourself) Dakota Fanning. So how did these thespians become members? Oscars.org explains, "A candidate...is normally sponsored by at least two members of the branch for which the person may qualify." The site also notes, "Individuals nominated for Academy Awards who are not already members...are considered for membership without the need for sponsors." The whole thing sounds a lot like a college fraternity. Let's hope the hazing rituals aren't as brutal. Forcing new members to watch Oscar winners "Titanic" and "Crash" back-to-back would be just plain cruel.
|
