Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, who starred in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," has been invited to become a member of the elite organization that picks Oscar winners.
Zhang was the only Chinese movie star among the 112 artists and executives who were recently asked to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Other invitees were Oscar winner Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), French actor Jean Reno ("The Professional") and Mexican heartthrob Gael Garcia Bernal ("Bad Education").
Zhang rose to international stardom with martial arts movies, including "House of Flying Daggers" and the Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
She also plays the leading role in the upcoming "Memoirs of a Geisha."
Acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou, who filmed the actress in "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero," recently praised her for her ability to grab opportunities, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.
"Most media think she relies on luck, but I understand that she doesn't. She is a very enterprising person," the paper quoted the director as saying during a recent interview with Shanghai Dragon TV.
New members will be inducted into the Academy at an invitation-only reception Sept. 21