Tom Hanks is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood

The two-time Oscar winner and film director will serve the organisation that controls the Oscars.

The Academy elected Sid Ganis as new president, replacing Frank Pierson, who served a maximum four one-year terms.

Former vice-president Ganis's first job in his new role will be to appoint a producer for the Oscars ceremony, which takes place on 5 March.

Ganis was first appointed to the Academy's board of governors in 1973 and founded the Out Of The Blue entertainment company.

Hanks, who is going to star in a film version of The Da Vinci Code, formerly acted as governor of the actor's branch of the Academy.