Academy membership is limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures. The Academy has 17 branches, for the crafts ranging from Actors to Writers, and two categories, Members-at-Large and Associates to accommodate individuals who work in motion picture production but do not fit into one of the branches.
HOW
The Academy’s membership process is by sponsorship, not application. Candidates must be sponsored by two Academy members from the branch to which the candidate seeks admission.
Additionally, Academy Award nominees are automatically considered for membership and do not require sponsors.
Nominees and sponsored candidates are reviewed by branch committees and recommendations for membership are considered by the Academy’s Board of Governors. The Board decides which individuals will receive invitations.
Membership review takes place once a year, in the spring. The current cycle deadline for candidates is Thursday, March 24, 2016.
WHERE
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global organization, representing the best of an international art form, and has members in countries all over the world.
SPONSORSHIP INSTRUCTIONS
Sponsoring a candidate for membership in the Academy is a serious commitment. Please make sure you are confident the candidate has truly “demonstrated exceptional achievement in the field of theatrical motion pictures” before you agree to sponsor an individual.
It is important to be familiar with the admission criteria of your branch (or category, if you are sponsoring someone as a Member-at-Large or Associate). Click here for branch and category requirements.
Please note:
- A member may sponsor only one candidate per membership cycle
- Candidates for branch membership must be sponsored by members of the branch in question. Members-at-Large and Associates may be sponsored by any two members, from any branch. Members-at-Large may only sponsor Members-at-Large and Associates, and Associates may only sponsor Associates.
NEW MEMBERS PROPOSAL PROCESS
After you have filled out the proposal card with the two sponsor signatures and contact information for the candidate, send the completed card, including sponsor recommendation letters (if required by the branch)back to the Membership Department. After all information has been received and verified, an email will be sent to the candidate requesting additional information on film credits and work experience.
Membership reviews take place once a year, in the spring. The current cycle deadline is Thursday, March 24, 2016.
