Fassbender, Murphy join prestigious Oscars academy

Two of Ireland’s best-known actors, Michael Fassbender and Cillian Murphy, have been invited to join the prestigious list of entertainers who have an Oscars vote each year.

The Kerry- and Cork- raised stars are among 271 actors, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and other production professionals who have been asked to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The film credits which helped secure Murphy an invite included The Dark Knight Rises and Inception.

For Fassbender, it was his performances in 12 Years a Slave and Shame.

The academy said the invites had been issued to “artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures”.

“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative, and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said.

“Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the academy.”

There are now more than 6,000 active members of the academy. Those members get to vote for nominations in their individual categories — actors nominate actors, film editors nominated film editors, and so on. All voting members are eligible to select the best picture nominees.

Once nominations are complete, all members can then vote on all categories for the Oscars.