In an attempt to further cement its dedication to diverstity across all activities, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has promoted Jeanell English to EVP Impact and Inclusion, Academy CEO Bill Kramer announced today. English will report directly to Kramer.
In this newly created executive job English will lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists. Adding to her portfolio, English will also be overseeing the various Academy’s talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. These programs include the Gold Rising internship and mentorship program, Gold Fellowship for Women, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Gold Alumni Program.
English who joined the Academy staff as VP Impact and Operations in 2020 will still be overseeing the Academy’s sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts as she has previously done.
In this newly created executive job English will lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists. Adding to her portfolio, English will also be overseeing the various Academy’s talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. These programs include the Gold Rising internship and mentorship program, Gold Fellowship for Women, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Gold Alumni Program.
English who joined the Academy staff as VP Impact and Operations in 2020 will still be overseeing the Academy’s sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts as she has previously done.
- 7/11/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
A week ago, Oscar nominees from branches including editing, sound, and makeup and hair were invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to a virtual town hall. They assumed, according to one individual who attended the Tuesday event, that the meeting was being called to discuss Covid-19 protocols for Hollywood’s biggest night.
Instead, they were informed that their categories would not air live on the telecast, said the source (a current nominee who agreed to speak with Variety on the condition of anonymity). In total, eight different Oscar categories — original score, makeup and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live action short and sound — will be awarded prior to the start of the upcoming March 27 show, edited for time, and broadcast sporadically throughout the evening. Other awards shows, such as the Tonys, have deployed a similar approach, but the move has sparked controversy...
Instead, they were informed that their categories would not air live on the telecast, said the source (a current nominee who agreed to speak with Variety on the condition of anonymity). In total, eight different Oscar categories — original score, makeup and hairstyling, documentary short, film editing, production design, animated short, live action short and sound — will be awarded prior to the start of the upcoming March 27 show, edited for time, and broadcast sporadically throughout the evening. Other awards shows, such as the Tonys, have deployed a similar approach, but the move has sparked controversy...
- 2/23/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The next generation of artists and filmmakers need guidance, and many in Hollywood have long grappled with how to offer training and support. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is trying to achieve that through its Academy Gold Rising program, which completed its fifth year of over 100 entertainment enhancement and mentorship for students and young professionals.
Of course, Hollywood is still not an even playing field, even despite dramatic changes in the industry in the last few years. Still, as Christine Simmons, the chief operating officer for the Academy tells Variety, she’s optimistic.
“I don’t know that many Black CEOs,” Simmons says. “We have industry folks mentoring and matching these young people, so that trail that we had to run uphill, barefoot, in the snow, can be eliminated. But, more importantly, they can see people that look like them that are actually doing it.”
The makeup...
Of course, Hollywood is still not an even playing field, even despite dramatic changes in the industry in the last few years. Still, as Christine Simmons, the chief operating officer for the Academy tells Variety, she’s optimistic.
“I don’t know that many Black CEOs,” Simmons says. “We have industry folks mentoring and matching these young people, so that trail that we had to run uphill, barefoot, in the snow, can be eliminated. But, more importantly, they can see people that look like them that are actually doing it.”
The makeup...
- 8/13/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: In advance of Sunday’s Oscars, the Ruderman Family Foundation has given a $1 million grant to the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to advance its diversity and inclusion efforts with respect to people with disabilities. The Ruderman Foundation is one of the nation’s leading advocates for the disabled – and for many years, one of the harshest critics of Hollywood’s portrayal of people with disabilities.
The grant will support three main avenues of diversity and inclusion across the Academy’s activities, programming and educational services. These include inclusion and accessibility initiatives at the new Academy Museum; support for an Academy Film Archive cataloging project for scholars and researchers; and additional funding for the Academy Gold Rising, an internship program for college-age students and emerging professionals from communities underrepresented in the film industry.
Content and accessibility services will be funded at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,...
The grant will support three main avenues of diversity and inclusion across the Academy’s activities, programming and educational services. These include inclusion and accessibility initiatives at the new Academy Museum; support for an Academy Film Archive cataloging project for scholars and researchers; and additional funding for the Academy Gold Rising, an internship program for college-age students and emerging professionals from communities underrepresented in the film industry.
Content and accessibility services will be funded at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,...
- 4/20/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday said it has named Fernando Garcia as its Executive Vice President, Member Relations and Awards. He replaces Lorenza Munoz, who left to join Amazon Studios in September as the streamer’s Senior Global Awards Executive.
Garcia will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s worldwide membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives, and oversee Academy Awards processes for submissions, nominations, voting and balloting. He will also continue Munoz’s work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. Munoz had been integral in coordinating the Academy’s increased efforts to diversify membership, resulting in significant gains in that area in recent years.
Garcia will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons.
“Fernando is an innovative thinker with a deep passion for movies and a true...
Garcia will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s worldwide membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives, and oversee Academy Awards processes for submissions, nominations, voting and balloting. He will also continue Munoz’s work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. Munoz had been integral in coordinating the Academy’s increased efforts to diversify membership, resulting in significant gains in that area in recent years.
Garcia will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons.
“Fernando is an innovative thinker with a deep passion for movies and a true...
- 1/19/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has created the position of executive vp member relations and awards, and hired Fernando Garcia to hold it and report to COO Christine Simmons.
Garcia, a marketing and publicity vet, will lead the Academy’s internal engagement and outreach efforts, a larger task than ever before given that the Academy now includes more than 10,000 members based all around the world. He will also oversee the organization’s processes for Oscar submissions, nominations, voting and balloting, and work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the Branch Executive Committees ...
Garcia, a marketing and publicity vet, will lead the Academy’s internal engagement and outreach efforts, a larger task than ever before given that the Academy now includes more than 10,000 members based all around the world. He will also oversee the organization’s processes for Oscar submissions, nominations, voting and balloting, and work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the Branch Executive Committees ...
- 1/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has hired Fernando Garcia to succeed Lorenza Munoz as its executive vp member relations and awards, reporting to COO Christine Simmons.
Garcia, a marketing and publicity vet, will lead the Academy’s internal engagement and outreach efforts, a larger task than ever before given that the Academy now includes more than 10,000 members based all around the world. He will also oversee the organization’s processes for Oscar submissions, nominations, voting and balloting, and work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the Branch Executive Committees on member representation and ...
Garcia, a marketing and publicity vet, will lead the Academy’s internal engagement and outreach efforts, a larger task than ever before given that the Academy now includes more than 10,000 members based all around the world. He will also oversee the organization’s processes for Oscar submissions, nominations, voting and balloting, and work with the Academy’s Office of Representation, Inclusion and Equity and the Branch Executive Committees on member representation and ...
- 1/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Christine Simmons, the COO of the AMPAS, isn’t letting her organization forget about 2016’s #OscarsSoWhite, which actually predated her tenure. These days she wants to “institutionalize the good” as much as eliminate the “institutionalized oppression.”
Simmons, who was part of a five-woman panel focused on “Redefining Corporate Culture” at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, has more than just the chief operating officer initials on her office door at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She also oversees the office of representation, inclusion and equity — a role she takes just as seriously as the one that facilitates the Academy Awards.
“Just as important as it is to put on that show, it’s just as important that there’s representation,” Simmons told moderator Nina Shaw, who is the founder of the Hollywood Commission on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality. “It’s a business imperative.”
That sentiment was...
Simmons, who was part of a five-woman panel focused on “Redefining Corporate Culture” at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, has more than just the chief operating officer initials on her office door at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She also oversees the office of representation, inclusion and equity — a role she takes just as seriously as the one that facilitates the Academy Awards.
“Just as important as it is to put on that show, it’s just as important that there’s representation,” Simmons told moderator Nina Shaw, who is the founder of the Hollywood Commission on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality. “It’s a business imperative.”
That sentiment was...
- 12/9/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The 24th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival, which takes place on September 23-27, has unveiled their full virtual lineup of over 100 official selections panels and conversations which will be available online. The fest has also added a spotlight conversation around Amazon Studios docu All In: The Fight for Democracy, its new Creativity Uncovered series, Overstand’s virtual pitch event, their #ShareTheMic Instagram takeover as well as additional guests.
On September 23, there will be a conversation with All In: The Fight for Democracy directors Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus along with activist DeRay McKesson and moderator Keith Boykin. The day prior marks National Voter Registration Day and to align with this, All In: The Fight for Democracy will be available on Urbanworld’s Vimeo Channel for the full day with an introduction by Fair Fight Action’s Stacey Abrams, along with directors and producers Garbus and Cortés.
The full agenda...
On September 23, there will be a conversation with All In: The Fight for Democracy directors Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus along with activist DeRay McKesson and moderator Keith Boykin. The day prior marks National Voter Registration Day and to align with this, All In: The Fight for Democracy will be available on Urbanworld’s Vimeo Channel for the full day with an introduction by Fair Fight Action’s Stacey Abrams, along with directors and producers Garbus and Cortés.
The full agenda...
- 9/18/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Just as it had to make adjustments this week for its own 2021 Oscar show due to events out of their control, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is also applying necessary changes, while moving forward, to one of its most important programs.
With the impressive support of 19 partner companies in its fourth year, the wide-ranging industry Academy Gold internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities will continue this summer despite the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. AMPAS said Wednesday that the summer edition will be virtual, with an extension program into the fall for those whose summer internships could not take place because of the current circumstances.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and Education and Outreach Committee chair Nancy Utley.
With the impressive support of 19 partner companies in its fourth year, the wide-ranging industry Academy Gold internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities will continue this summer despite the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. AMPAS said Wednesday that the summer edition will be virtual, with an extension program into the fall for those whose summer internships could not take place because of the current circumstances.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and Education and Outreach Committee chair Nancy Utley.
- 6/17/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Life goes on this summer for Academy internships, in a virtual way. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is plowing forward with the fourth year of Academy Gold, its entertainment industry internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities. During the summer, as the pandemic continues, the program will be virtual, with an extension program in the fall for those students who delayed their summer internships.
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
- 6/17/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched its fourth Academy Gold internship program.
The program, which is being held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic, offers mentorship for 74 students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and education and outreach committee chair Nancy Utley of Searchlight Pictures, said in a statement. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute,...
The program, which is being held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic, offers mentorship for 74 students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and education and outreach committee chair Nancy Utley of Searchlight Pictures, said in a statement. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute,...
- 6/17/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Oscars: Academy Unveils New Equity And Inclusion Standards, Returns To Firm 10 Best Picture Nominees
After a series of meetings, and approval Thursday by the board of governors, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the next phase of its ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion, Academy Aperture 2025. This comes after a previous initiative largely aimed at making membership regarding women and people of color more representative, a goal that was set for this year which AMPAS says has been surpassed.
A new phase has begun, and in terms of the Oscar race itself includes going back to a set number of 10 Best Picture nominees, replacing the current eligibility rule that allows for five up to 10 nominees. This does not apply to the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards (2020 release year), but will take effect for the 94th Oscars (2021) and into the future. The Academy will also create a quarterly viewing process through their streaming site starting also with the 94th Oscars that is...
A new phase has begun, and in terms of the Oscar race itself includes going back to a set number of 10 Best Picture nominees, replacing the current eligibility rule that allows for five up to 10 nominees. This does not apply to the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards (2020 release year), but will take effect for the 94th Oscars (2021) and into the future. The Academy will also create a quarterly viewing process through their streaming site starting also with the 94th Oscars that is...
- 6/12/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Christine Simmons to chief operating officer. The current president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks will assume her new position in January, reporting directly to AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson.
Simmons will take on the day-to-day management of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs, and the Science and Technology Council. She will also participate in collaborative efforts to pursue the Academy mission “to recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination, and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures,” per the Academy.
Or, to put it another way: Simmons is a grown-up professional who is being hired to whip the always-idiosyncratic Academy into shape. The role has been vacant since 2013, when Academy vet Ric Robertson...
Simmons will take on the day-to-day management of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs, and the Science and Technology Council. She will also participate in collaborative efforts to pursue the Academy mission “to recognize and uphold excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspire imagination, and connect the world through the medium of motion pictures,” per the Academy.
Or, to put it another way: Simmons is a grown-up professional who is being hired to whip the always-idiosyncratic Academy into shape. The role has been vacant since 2013, when Academy vet Ric Robertson...
- 12/20/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named sports executive Christine Simmons its new chief operating officer — a post that has been unfilled for the past five years.
Simmons, president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will assume her new role in January and report directly to AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson. The COO position has been vacant since 2013, when Ric Robertson departed.
“There has been — and continues to be — a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” Hudson said on Thursday. “Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions, and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”
The Academy has been attempting to diversify its membership in recent years and added a record 928 members in June to bring its total membership to more than 9,200.
Simmons...
Simmons, president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will assume her new role in January and report directly to AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson. The COO position has been vacant since 2013, when Ric Robertson departed.
“There has been — and continues to be — a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” Hudson said on Thursday. “Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions, and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”
The Academy has been attempting to diversify its membership in recent years and added a record 928 members in June to bring its total membership to more than 9,200.
Simmons...
- 12/20/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Christine Simmons as Chief Operating Officer, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson announced Thursday.
Simmons, who currently serves as the president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will begin her role in January and will report to Hudson. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management with a focus on the Academy Foundation.
“There has been — and continues to be — a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” Hudson said. “Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions, and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”
See Video: 'Blazing the Trail': What Four Women Learned From Being the First Women in Their Fields
Simmons added, “I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the innovation and growth...
Simmons, who currently serves as the president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will begin her role in January and will report to Hudson. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management with a focus on the Academy Foundation.
“There has been — and continues to be — a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” Hudson said. “Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions, and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”
See Video: 'Blazing the Trail': What Four Women Learned From Being the First Women in Their Fields
Simmons added, “I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the innovation and growth...
- 12/20/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has hired Christine Simmons chief operating officer, the culmination of a search to find some executive backup for CEO Dawn Hudson. Simmons, currently president and COO of the Wnba’s Los Angeles Sparks, will assume her new role in January, reporting to Hudson.
Deadline reported last month that the Oscar Academy had quietly engaged a search firm looking for a COO. The group hasn’t had a chief operating officer since 2013, when Ric Robertson, a longtime Academy executive who had held the COO position for about two and a half years, resigned. AMPAS’ recent growth in membership to roughly 8,000 helped spur the search for the role.
Simmons is a veteran with a previous exec role at Magic Johnson Enterprises. Before that she held senior positions managing and expanding supplier diversity at Disney and NBCUniversal. At the Academy, she will be responsible for...
Deadline reported last month that the Oscar Academy had quietly engaged a search firm looking for a COO. The group hasn’t had a chief operating officer since 2013, when Ric Robertson, a longtime Academy executive who had held the COO position for about two and a half years, resigned. AMPAS’ recent growth in membership to roughly 8,000 helped spur the search for the role.
Simmons is a veteran with a previous exec role at Magic Johnson Enterprises. Before that she held senior positions managing and expanding supplier diversity at Disney and NBCUniversal. At the Academy, she will be responsible for...
- 12/20/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Christine Simmons to the position of chief operating officer, it was announced today by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. Simmons, president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will assume her new role in January, reporting directly to Hudson.
Simmons will be responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
The Academy has not had a COO since 2013,...
Simmons will be responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
The Academy has not had a COO since 2013,...
- 12/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Christine Simmons to the position of chief operating officer, it was announced today by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. Simmons, president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will assume her new role in January, reporting directly to Hudson.
Simmons will be responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
The Academy has not had a COO since 2013,...
Simmons will be responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprised of the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
The Academy has not had a COO since 2013,...
- 12/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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