‘Brokeback Mountain’ actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger have received invitations to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
British actresses Keira Knightley, Rachel Weisz and Hayley Mills were also among the 120 people to be invited to join.
Others include the 12-year-old actress Dakota Fanning and country superstar Dolly Parton.
The Academy’s president, Sid Ganis, said the Oscar-awarding body had become "more selective" in the last two years, adding only the "most exceptionally qualified candidates" from each of the academy's 14 branches had been invited.
Directs, animators, cinematographers, producers and editors have all been invited to join, not just actors.
The Academy fills vacancies resulting from death or retirement.
