Hugh Jackman Has Been Invited To Join The Academy

Hugh was asked by the Academy to become a member of the honorary body.

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.