Polanski had been an incongruity in Hollywood who had continued making movies and winning awards as a catalyst. A-list actors signed petitions for his liberty, starred in his movie and gave him a standing ovation in 2003 when he won the best director Oscar for "The Pianist."
His lawyer says the 84-year-old manager was blindsided by the decision, and intends to ask the academy to rethink it.
Polanski and Cosby are the initial members expelled since the company adopted a revised code of conduct.