"And I'd like to thank the members of the Academy..." You've heard that phrase pop up in countless thank you speeches, but do you know who's in the Academy and what makes them so special? This year the voting members of the Academy number 5,829. Created in 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a group of artisans who must meet very rigid requirements in order to be a part of the non-profit organization. You can't just fill out an application to join and you can't buy your way in. The Board of Governors has to issue you an invitation and they don't just send those out to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

Even an Oscar nominee isn't guaranteed Academy membership, although the process is considerably less cumbersome for those fortunate enough to pick up an Oscar nod. While other potential members have to be sponsored by at least two current members and have the backing of the executive committee, Oscar nominees skip the sponsor portion and proceed directly to consideration by the Board of Governors. It all sounds a bit convoluted and confusing, but apparently the system works. Just think about how many actors, directors, writers, producers, makeup artists, cinematographers, executives, and other assorted film-related people there are working - or retired - today. Only 5, 829 of those people are part of the Academy. Yes, it is definitely an exclusive club.