SubscribeOscar finally invites Eddie Murphy to the party
We may have finally solved the mystery of how Eddie Murphy of "Dreamgirls" lost the supporting actor race to "Little Miss Sunshine" star Alan Arkin at this year's Oscars. Pundits were split almost evenly between these two veterans when it came to predicting the winner. Turns out Murphy, one of the biggest movie stars of the past quarter century, was not a member of the motion picture academy and was, therefore, unable to vote for himself.
Had the old rules that let nominee Barbra Streisand join the Academy in time to cast the tying vote in her best actress race back in 1968 still been in place, Murphy might have well been sharing in Oscar glory with Arkin. But nowadays, the Academy guards entry to its exclusive club of approximately 6,000 members.
Today, it invited Murphy along with 114 other "artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures" to join. Luckily for the temperamental Murphy, who left the awards ceremony as soon as he lost, Oscar nominees do not need two current Academy members to sponsor their application. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who made her film debut in "Dreamgirls," was among those asked, as were nominees Adriana Barraza, Ryan Gosling, and Jackie Earle Haley.
However, not everyone who is eligible for admission makes the cut. Last year, best actor nominee Heath Ledger was asked as was his "Brokeback Mountain" love interest and supporting actor nominee Jake Gyllenhaal . But his real-life love and supporting actress nominee Michelle Williams did not get an invite.
Among the bold-faced names who have made the guest list this year are Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carrell, Daniel Craig, and Christopher Plummer. Yep, you read that last name right. Turns out the veteran actor, who made his film debut almost a half century ago in "Stage Struck," was not a member till now. This incoming roster of talent will be feted by the Academy at a reception in September.
For the full list of new members CLICK HERE
so basically, according to the Academy...Dakota Fanning > Christopher Plummer....
Posted by: starbucks10172 | June 19, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Christopher Plummer, practically an institution and one of the greatest actors alive, not a member of the Academy until now? Especially with all these newbies getting in in no time? I certainly hope that was his choice. If not, it's the worst example of professional disrespect in the industry since Henry Fonda's paltry two Oscar nominations and no win until 1982, just a few months before his death. Sheesh.
Posted by: Vince | June 19, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Which actora are in the academy? is that public information? i feel if you get nominated--you should be automatically be let in and be a lifetime member. Obviously actors who have never been nominated should be asked to be in the academy as well since the nomination process seems to be biased against foreign actors, newbies to acting, comedic actors, and younger male actors, and older female actors and people of color. obviously things are changing--last year there could have been three african american winners in the acting awards and an older female actually did win best actress. i'm happy to see maribel vedu as a member--she was robbed of two nominations in the past and i really hope that asian actors have been invited and have in fact received membership--i mean gong li should already have an oscar if not a membership in the academy!
Posted by: marcos | June 18, 2007 at 05:14 PM
This is an awful rule...Please Academy be rid of it...it's beyond ridiculous...
Posted by: Frankie R. | June 18, 2007 at 01:56 PM