Chinese martial-arts star Jet Li is among 105 film professionals who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it was announced on Monday.

Li's membership will entitle him the right to help decide Oscar winners. He also joins the ranks of Chinese stars such as Jackie Chan, Joan Chen and Vivian Wu who have previously been invited to join the academy, Chinese news portal Sohu.com says.

Other invited stars this year include Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen and the latest Best Actress Oscar winner Marion Cotillard.

The invitees' fields span acting, directing, producing, editing and writing.

They will bring the academy's voting members to nearly 6,000.

(CRIENGLISH.com June 24, 2008)