After more than 40 years in the industry Jeff Goldblum has finally bagged himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Celebrating the honour, the 65-year-old star of Annie Hall and The Fly described his career as "a risky endeavour of wild-hearted romance" and admitted: "I'm just shocked that it's kept working out and I keep getting a chance to do it."

It was the 2,638th star to be placed on the famous strip and comes following the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in which Goldblum reprises his role as mathematician Ian Malcolm.

But how exactly are the stars awarded, and could you get your own? Here's how:

First, fill out a form

Launched in 1960, in theory anyone can be nominated to get a star. But like all good official processes, the first thing that needs to be done is the paperwork.

Prospective star-holders have to be nominated via a form available on the Hollywood Walk of Fame website, and submitted to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce by the end of May every year.

A photo, bio, CV and details of any community work carried out by the nominee must be included, along with a letter of agreement from the celebrity in question (or their agent).

No emailing it in at the last minute though, only paper copies will be considered.

Image: Minnie Mouse got her star on the Walk of Fame last year

Then cough up the cash

But before you rush to print out a form, it's worth noting that if successful, the star will cost an eye-watering $40,000 (£30,000).

The Hollywood Historic Trust says it "uses the money to pay for the creation/installation of the star and ceremony, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame".

The nominee is liable for the fee, with the celebrity's film studio, recording label or PR company often stumping up the cash.

But it's not always faceless conglomerates who pay – notably, Liza Minnelli's fan club raised the money for her 1991 star by holding bake sales and arranging living-room screenings of her films.

Victoria's Secret models get a group star on the walk
Image: Victoria's Secret models get a group star on the walk

Who can nominate?

The committee receive around 300 nominations every year, and say: "Anyone can nominate their favourite celebrity, including a fan."

What are the criteria?

The criteria on which you will be judged in your bid to receive an iconic pink star are:

  • Professional achievement
  • Five years or more in the business
  • Contributions to the community
  • A guarantee that the celebrity will attend the dedication ceremony if selected
Fans pay tribute to Michael Jacson by laying flowers on his star
Image: Fans pay tribute to Michael Jacson by laying flowers on his star

Impress the committee

Forms are reviewed by a star selection committee – made up of Hollywood industry VIPs – at the annual Walk of Fame Committee meeting held every June.

Selected from every section of the entertainment industry, each one represents an eligible category in the nomination process. These include:

  • Motion pictures
  • Television
  • Radio
  • Recording
  • Live theatre/live performance

The committee discourage direct lobbying by fans and celebrity representatives, and say online petitions for nomination are always ignored.

Actor Danny DeVito lies down by his star
Image: Actor Danny DeVito lies down by his star

How many people get chosen each year?

The committee select about 30 new names for the Walk of Fame every year, including both individuals and groups.

The party

Nominees have to commit to celebrating their star with a ceremony which will be broadcast live around the world.

Hundreds of people typically attend the event, which is open to the public to enjoy from a public viewing area.

Generally celebrities don't get to choose where their star goes, that's down to the organisers discretion.

The family of Steve Irwin unveil his star 12 years after his death
Image: The family of Steve Irwin unveil his star 12 years after his death

Never too late

The committee says "the most qualified artists" are selected each year, with each application effective for two years.

More from Hollywood

Nominees who don't get selected are encouraged to apply again, with some stars nominated several times before being successful.

Posthumous nominations have a five-year waiting period.

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