Jackman, Hathaway invited to join Academy

LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- Some 134 U.S. film industry figures have been invited to become voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, officials say.

Included among them are actors Hugh Jackman, who served as the host of this year's Oscars show, and Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, James Franco and Michelle Williams, the Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday.

Comic performers have been invited into the Academy as well, including Michael Cera, Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd, the Reporter said.

Officials said a maximum of 166 slots were open this year, but the various Academy committees endorsed fewer candidates than were proposed to them.

"These filmmakers have, over the course of their careers, captured the imagination of audiences around the world," academy President Sid Ganis said in a statement. "It's this kind of talent and creativity that make up the Academy, and I welcome each of them to our ranks."