The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently released the list of 271 new voter candidates for the prestigious Academy Award. 

Among the 271 candidates are four from Japan: director Miyazaki Hayao (74) and producer Suzuki Toshio (65) from Studio Ghibli, cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi, and Toho CEO Masaoka Hiroyasu (48). 

If they accept the nomination, they will become members of the Academy. Miyazaki has been invited three times to join the Academy, but back in 2006 when he received the third invitation, he refused it because he wanted to remain active. 

On the other hand, Matsuoka seems to be inclined towards joining the Academy once the paperworks have been completed. 

Source: Nikkan Sports
Image: 47NEWS