LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Roman Polanski took legal steps today to try to regain his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Polanski filed court papers in Los Angeles Superior Court asking a judge to reinstate him to the Academy.
The lawsuit was still pending in the court's computer system as of midday Friday and had not yet been officially filed.
Polanski, now 85, was admitted to the Academy in December 1968 with the help of a letter signed by the late Gregory Peck, Polanski's court papers state.
Polanski fled the United States in 1978 after being charged with statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. He has continued to work and won an Oscar in 2003 for directing the World War II drama ``The Pianist.''
Polanski and Bill Cosby -- who is imprisoned for drugging and raping a woman -- were expelled from the Academy in 2018.
``The board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy's values of respect for human dignity,'' according to a statement from the Academy.
Polanski's court papers maintain he was removed without notice or a chance to be heard and that his request for reconsideration was denied in January of this year.
Along with reinstatement, Polanski also is asking for attorney's fees.