The Academy Awards unveiled their new members on June 26, 2015. You have to be invited & Sonny Skyhawk was sponsored by two Academy members. (You can be sponsored by members from different branches, Directors, Actors, Writers etc.,).
The Academy says, "To be considered for invitation to membership in the Actors Branch of the Academy, an individual must..,"
(A) "have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits, in all of which the roles played were scripted roles, one of which was released in the past five years, and all of which are of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy, and/or
(B) have been nominated for an Academy Award in one of the acting categories, or
(C) have, in the judgment of the Actors Branch Executive Committee, otherwise achieved unique distinction, earned special merit or made an outstanding contribution as a motion picture actor."
Click photo for full list of 2015 new members.
(Sonny Skyhawk far left. Chelsea Handler 3rd from left).
As the controversy erupted after the 2016 Oscar nominations. There was concern over Sonny Skyhawk. Five years ago, he appeared in "Nightbeasts" 2010. His only other actor credits jump back 27 years with "Geronino: An American Legend" 1993 & "Young Guns II" 1990. Sonny says he speaks on behalf of all Native Americans in films & on TV. He claims to have his Sioux Tribal papers saying he is of Native descent.
In "The Hollywood Reporter" during the "Oscar So White" 2016 controversy.
Oscars Now said, "Sonny Skyhawk was a "sponsored new members" from last year. He
came in as a Native American, but with only minor acting credits from 30
years ago. Who knows him? Skyhawk's real name is Charles Brito and he
is of Mexican descent. He was one of those who was invited not because of his acting credentials, but because he had two people sponsor him as a Native American. Is this what the Academy calls Diversity?"
Sam G said, "Skyhawk has done absolutely nothing as an actor. He got in because he got his two sponsors to believe he's Native American."
Skyhawk or Brito - Now has to follow the new rules as an Academy member which was revealed on Jan. 22, 2016. He can vote for 10 years. His last film was "Nightbeasts" 2010. If he cannot find work as an actor in 10 years. Then, he will be put on emeritus status. He can be a member, but cannot vote. Work in films for natives is tough and very sparse.
