Borat, Diablo Cody Join Oscar Voting Ranks

Sacha Baron Cohen, otherwise known as Borat, and Juno scribe Diablo Cody have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. According to Reuters, the Academy issued invitations to 105 new actors, directors and other glittery movie folks. Ms. Cody's pal director Jason Reitman was also invited, as well as Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, Ruby Dee, Josh Brolin, Allison Janney, Jet Li and Ray Winstone.

Each year, in order to replenish its ranks as members die or opt for nonvoting status, the 15 branches of the Academy endorse new candidates.

Under a membership policy adopted in 2004, the Academy has slowed growth in its ranks, which number just below the 6,000 mark. This year, the Academy could have sought out as many as 137 new members, but the branches chose to be more selective than that.