Hugh Jackman's Academy honour

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Hugh Jackman has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The 'Australia' actor was asked by the Academy - which organises and selects winners of the Oscars - to become a member of the honorary body, along with Anne Hathaway, Michael Cera, James Franco, Michelle Williams and 'Slumdog Millionaire' director Danny Boyle.

Academy president Sid Ganis said: "These filmmakers have, over the course of their careers, captured the imagination of audiences around the world. It's this kind of talent and creativity that make up the Academy, and I welcome each of them to our ranks."

The organisation gave out 134 invitations of the film world to become members of the exclusive club, with membership including the privilege to vote in the annual Academy Awards.

A maximum of 166 slots were available this year, but the branch committee endorsed fewer candidates than were presented to them.

The Academy members nominate choices in their respective fields, while anyone in the organisation can put forward their choices for the coveted Best Picture statuette.

A second round of voting then sees all members vote in the majority of categories to determine the winners.

Although he wasn't a member, Hugh hosted this year's Academy Awards.

The 40-year-old thrilled the star-studded audience with his musical medleys and performed with Anne Hathaway, Beyonce Knowles, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper.