Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film

ACADEMY AWARDS Ò
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
(ÓA.M.P.A.S. Ò) is a professional honorary organization
with membership by invitation only, extended by its
Board of Governors to distinguished contributors to the
arts and sciences of motion pictures. The Academy (at its
Web site, www.oscars.org) asserts seven purposes:
1. Advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures
2. Foster cooperation among creative leaders for cultural,
educational and technological progress
3. Recognize outstanding achievements
4. Cooperate on technical research and improvement of
methods and equipment
5. Provide a common forum and meeting ground for
various branches and crafts
6. Represent the viewpoint of actual creators of the
motion picture and
7. Foster education activities between the professional
community and the public at large.
To accomplish these goals, the Academy enlists its fourteen
branches: actors, art directors, cinematographers,
directors, documentary, executives, film editors, music,
producers, public relations, short films and feature animation,
sound, visual effects, and writers. But while
ÓA.M.P.A.S. Ò represents over six thousand technical
and artistic members of the motion picture industry
and supports diverse educational and promotional activities,
the general public knows the Academy primarily
through its highly publicized Academy Awards Ò.
To merit invitation to membership in any category,
an individual must have ‘‘achieved distinction in the arts
and sciences of motion pictures,’’ including, but not
limited to, ‘‘film credits of a caliber which reflect the
high standards of the Academy, receipt of an Academy
AwardÒ nomination, achievement of unique distinction,
earning of special merit, or making of an outstanding
contribution to film’’ (www.oscars.org). At least two
members of the nominee’s respective branch must sponsor
the candidate. The candidacy must then receive the
endorsement of the pertinent branch’s executive committee
for submission to the Board of Governors. That
Board consists of three representatives from each branch,
except the documentary branch, which elects one governor.
All terms run for three years.
At its discretion, the Board of Governors may also
invite individuals to join ÓA.M.P.A.S. Ò in the memberat-large
or associate member categories, two distinctly
different types of membership. Members-at-large are
individuals working in theatrical film production but
with no branch corresponding to their job responsibilities.
They enjoy the same membership privileges, including the
right to vote, as those in any of the fourteen designated
branches, with one exception—members-at-large are ineligible
for election to the Board of Governors. Similarly,
associate members cannot serve on the Board. Composed
of individuals ‘‘closely allied to the industry but not
actively engaged in motion picture production,’’ associate
members vote only on branch policies and actions.
All members pay dues, except those who have been
extended lifetime membership by unanimous approval of
the Board. These exceptionally meritorious individuals
enjoy all member privileges. Dues from all other
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