The Academy is a professional honorary made up of more than 6,000 professionals in the movie industry. Organized in 1927 in Hollywood, Calif., as a non-profit corporation, the honorary originally claimed 36 members.

Its purpose is to advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures; foster cooperation among creative leaders for cultural, educational and technological progress; recognize outstanding achievements; cooperate on technical research and improvement of methods and equipment; provide a common forum and meeting ground for various branches and crafts; represent the viewpoint of actual creators of the motion picture; and foster educational activities between the professional community and the public at large.

"Sounds good," you say. "I think I'll join!" Well, it's not quite that easy. The Board of Governors (elected officers within the organization) invites members to the Academy. Those invited have achieved distinction in the arts and sciences of motion pictures: film credits of a caliber which reflect the high standards of the Academy, receipt of an Academy Award® nomination, achievement of unique distinction, earning of special merit or making an outstanding contribution to film.

There are 13 branches of the Academy: actors, art directors, cinematographers, directors, executives, film editors, music, producers, public relations, short films and feature animation, sound, visual effects and writers.

One thing's for sure -- the Academy puts together one heck of an awards show. How does it all begin? A maximum of five entrants first are nominated by Academy members in their particular category -- or field. Then the entire Academy votes on secret ballots. The announcement of the winners is televised at the Academy Awards® each spring.