Being a Producer in Hollywood Isn't So Easy Anymore

In 2006 the Producers Guild of America established standards for qualifying to be listed as a 'producer.' Studios are still free to list anyone as a 'producer,' but to qualify as a producer for an Academy Award, only those approved by the PGA qualify. The Golden Globe Awards do not adhere to the PGA standards.

The PGA goes through an audit process to determine who actually did what on films. The basic qualification is that the producer must be hands-on with the film from beginning to end. This includes from development (including buying the rights to the script) through post production. (New York Post)