The Oscars have gained a reputation as the most prestigious awards in the film industry. There’s no actor or filmmaker who doesn’t dream of winning an Academy Award. But, despite its popularity, many people still don’t know how the winners are chosen or who votes for the movies and artists.
Unlike other prizes, for example at film festivals, there are no judges or a jury to select the winners of the Oscars. To choose nominees and winners, members of the Academy of Picture Arts and Sciences must vote for the eligible films.
The voting process involves two phases, first for nominations, which are divided into branches (acting, directing, etc.), and then for the winners, in which all members can vote for every category. So, how can one become a member of the Academy?
Oscars: How to become an Academy member?
In order to become a member, the artists must be sponsored by two Academy members from the branch to which the candidate belongs. However, when someone is nominated for an Oscar, they automatically are considered for membership.
According to the official website of the Academy, the membership is “limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures.” There are 18 branches, which include actors, directors, cinematographers, costume designers, writers, film editors, music and more.
Who decides who becomes a member of the Academy?
Per the Academy, the candidates are reviewed by branch committees, which are considered by the Academy’s Board of Governors. The Board decides which individuals will receive invitations. The review usually takes place in the spring.
How many members of the Academy are there?
According to the Academy, currently there are over 10,500 members. These artists are from all over the world. In recent years, the Academy has made an effort to increase diversity among its membership, as well as in the films considered for Best Picture.