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LOS ANGELES - Jennifer Aniston got one, and so did Steve Carell, Eddie Murphy and British director Paul Greengrass.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent out invitations on Monday welcoming a new crop of stars to join the prestigious group behind the Oscars in what has become a much-watched annual barometer of who truly wields movie power in Hollywood.
Being asked to join is among the most coveted solicitations in the film industry, and this year the Academy welcomed 115 individuals from a range of professions, including art directors, casting executives, makeup artists and others.
In recent years, the Academy has instituted new rules to slow its growth, and the voting membership has stabilized at just under 6,000 people in the past four years.
The Academy said its invitees this year come from numerous foreign countries, reflecting changes in an industry that has grown increasingly international. Production funds now come from various investors around the world and overseas ticket sales exceed the US box office.
Invitees will officially be inducted into the Academy at a reception in September.
- REUTERS/Nielsen
