Following the departure of EVP Shawn Finnie, the fourth Black executive to exit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a year, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang sent a letter to members on Friday affirming their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying there is “still much more work to do.”
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
- 7/15/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently addressed the departure of multiple Black executives from its organization in a letter sent to its members.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion programs while acknowledging the concerns raised by the exits in a letter exclusively obtained by Variety on Saturday.
Read More: Academy Invites Nearly 400 Prospective New Members, Including Taylor Swift, Austin Butler & More
The letter expressed a strong determination to expand efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Academy and the film industry.
The departures of four Black leaders, including Christine Simmons and Shawn Finnie, were noted. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Meredith Shea as chief membership and diversity officer was also mentioned.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and...
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion programs while acknowledging the concerns raised by the exits in a letter exclusively obtained by Variety on Saturday.
Read More: Academy Invites Nearly 400 Prospective New Members, Including Taylor Swift, Austin Butler & More
The letter expressed a strong determination to expand efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Academy and the film industry.
The departures of four Black leaders, including Christine Simmons and Shawn Finnie, were noted. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Meredith Shea as chief membership and diversity officer was also mentioned.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and...
- 7/15/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has sent a letter to members on Friday, affirming their commitment to diversity following the departure of several Black executives from the organization.
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent a letter to its members on Friday evening, addressing the recent departure of multiple Black executives from its organization over the past few weeks.
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Shawn Finnie, executive VP of member relations, global outreach and awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is leaving the organization after nearly a decade, Variety has learned exclusively. His final day was Thursday, July 13.
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As the Academy Confronts Diversity Challenges, CEO Bill Kramer Adds New Impact and Inclusion Officer
Bill Kramer, the new CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, continues to plow forward. One of the challenges facing the Academy is how it executes an ambitious slate of sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. To spearhead these programs, Kramer has promoted Jeanell English to Executive Vice President, Impact and Inclusion, reporting directly to him.
English will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the Academy’s representation and inclusion standards, and in this new position, 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,” the Academy announced.
Kramer is tasked with implementing several initiatives launched by CEO Dawn Hudson, who has left the Academy after 11 years. She moved decisively to implement radical change in the largely white male Academy member ranks, bringing in a more diverse and...
English will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the Academy’s representation and inclusion standards, and in this new position, 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,” the Academy announced.
Kramer is tasked with implementing several initiatives launched by CEO Dawn Hudson, who has left the Academy after 11 years. She moved decisively to implement radical change in the largely white male Academy member ranks, bringing in a more diverse and...
- 7/11/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Wow. Bill Kramer’s lightning strikes at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—into the chief’s job 17 days early, Chief Operating Officer Christine Simmons out by mid-morning, Jacqueline Stewart in place to take his old Academy Museum post less than a week later—are impressive. Even the Academy’s often spotty Website was updated in real time: The revised executive line-up posted as the coup got underway.
Really, Kramer moved in like Grant took Richmond. Slowly at first (a lot of lobbying preceded his appointment to replace predecessor Dawn Hudson), and then all of a sudden. Boom!
So now what?
In the first week of a new fiscal year, less than a month until the election of a new Academy board president, with 248 days to maneuver before the next Oscar show (but who’s counting?), Kramer holds in his hands the rare opportunity to salvage and perhaps reshape an American institution.
Really, Kramer moved in like Grant took Richmond. Slowly at first (a lot of lobbying preceded his appointment to replace predecessor Dawn Hudson), and then all of a sudden. Boom!
So now what?
In the first week of a new fiscal year, less than a month until the election of a new Academy board president, with 248 days to maneuver before the next Oscar show (but who’s counting?), Kramer holds in his hands the rare opportunity to salvage and perhaps reshape an American institution.
- 7/7/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Exiting Academy Museum director Bill Kramer is not wasting any time. He sought to take the reins of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences from departing CEO Dawn Hudson, and landed the gig with unanimous support from the Board of Governors. He was supposed to start in his new role on July 18, but took over July 1 to get started on Oscar-planning season. First order of business: he dismissed Hudson’s Chief Operating Officer Christine Simmons.
And Wednesday the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced the expected appointment of Jacqueline Stewart, the museum’s Chief Artistic and Programming officer, to replace Kramer as Director and President of the museum. Kramer brought in the cinema scholar, curator, public educator, and TCM host in 2020. She’ll take over the role of Academy Museum Director and President on July 18 to guide the future course of the organization, which...
And Wednesday the Board of Trustees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced the expected appointment of Jacqueline Stewart, the museum’s Chief Artistic and Programming officer, to replace Kramer as Director and President of the museum. Kramer brought in the cinema scholar, curator, public educator, and TCM host in 2020. She’ll take over the role of Academy Museum Director and President on July 18 to guide the future course of the organization, which...
- 7/6/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Updated, 9:15 Pm: Wednesday’s press conference has been suspended, as the union says it’s in “productive conversations” with the Academy Museum. “Leadership of Academy Museum Workers United are in productive conversations with our employer, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In light of these developments, we’ve decided to suspend our Wednesday morning press conference to allow for continued conversations.”
Previously, 3:33 Pm: A union seeking to represent more than 200 workers employed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is accusing management of “anti-union actions.” The union, the Academy Museum Workers United, will hold a virtual press conference Wednesday morning to air its grievances.
“The Academy Museum has hired anti-union lawyers from Littler Mendelson, the same firm used by Starbuck’s anti-union efforts, showing they are not honoring their commitment to staying neutral as workers organize their union,” Amwu said in a statement. “After workers went public with their union,...
Previously, 3:33 Pm: A union seeking to represent more than 200 workers employed at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is accusing management of “anti-union actions.” The union, the Academy Museum Workers United, will hold a virtual press conference Wednesday morning to air its grievances.
“The Academy Museum has hired anti-union lawyers from Littler Mendelson, the same firm used by Starbuck’s anti-union efforts, showing they are not honoring their commitment to staying neutral as workers organize their union,” Amwu said in a statement. “After workers went public with their union,...
- 7/6/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Dawn Hudson, whose roller-coaster 11-year tenure as the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences came to an end Friday, hailed her successor, Bill Kramer, as “a visionary leader” in an email to the organization’s members obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, further asserting, “The Academy is in the best of hands.”
Hudson was expected to remain in her position through July 18, but news leaked Friday that her handoff to Kramer had been moved up, and also that Hudson’s handpicked deputy, Christine Simmons, the organization’s COO since 2018, had been ousted as part of the transition to a new administration.
In her communiqué, Hudson said it had been “the privilege of a lifetime” to lead the Academy, asserting that under her watch it had become “a truly global film organization, a world-class museum, an unstinting commitment to representation and inclusion,...
Dawn Hudson, whose roller-coaster 11-year tenure as the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences came to an end Friday, hailed her successor, Bill Kramer, as “a visionary leader” in an email to the organization’s members obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, further asserting, “The Academy is in the best of hands.”
Hudson was expected to remain in her position through July 18, but news leaked Friday that her handoff to Kramer had been moved up, and also that Hudson’s handpicked deputy, Christine Simmons, the organization’s COO since 2018, had been ousted as part of the transition to a new administration.
In her communiqué, Hudson said it had been “the privilege of a lifetime” to lead the Academy, asserting that under her watch it had become “a truly global film organization, a world-class museum, an unstinting commitment to representation and inclusion,...
- 7/2/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bill Kramer has begun his new position as chief executive officer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Variety has confirmed.
In addition, Christine Simmons is out as the chief operating officer of the Academy, effective Friday. Simmons, who first joined the Academy in 2018, was the first COO for the organization since the resignation of Ric Robertson in 2013. The Academy did not specify why she left, but confirmed she is no longer with the organization. No successor for the position has yet been named.
Kramer, who will assume all responsibilities as CEO effective immediately, begins the position roughly two weeks before the previously announced July 18 start date. Prior to taking the reins of the Academy, Kramer served as director and president of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He was tapped to replace Dawn Hudson, who is leaving the position after 11 years, last month after being unanimously elected by the AMPAS board.
In addition, Christine Simmons is out as the chief operating officer of the Academy, effective Friday. Simmons, who first joined the Academy in 2018, was the first COO for the organization since the resignation of Ric Robertson in 2013. The Academy did not specify why she left, but confirmed she is no longer with the organization. No successor for the position has yet been named.
Kramer, who will assume all responsibilities as CEO effective immediately, begins the position roughly two weeks before the previously announced July 18 start date. Prior to taking the reins of the Academy, Kramer served as director and president of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. He was tapped to replace Dawn Hudson, who is leaving the position after 11 years, last month after being unanimously elected by the AMPAS board.
- 7/1/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Christine Simmons, COO of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), is out as Bill Kramer, the new CEO, has taken over weeks ahead of his previously announced July 18 start date.
Kramer replaces Dawn Hudson, whose contract expires next spring and has been with the Academy in the role for 11 years. Hudson will remain with the Academy as an advisor during the transition period. The decision to name Kramer in the position passed via a unanimous vote by the board, an individual with knowledge of the vote added.
Simmons, whose departure is effective immediately, doesn’t have a successor named yet. Her departure was announced by the Academy in an email on Friday. Simmons previously joined the Academy COO in late 2018, and was President and COO of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
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Kramer...
Kramer replaces Dawn Hudson, whose contract expires next spring and has been with the Academy in the role for 11 years. Hudson will remain with the Academy as an advisor during the transition period. The decision to name Kramer in the position passed via a unanimous vote by the board, an individual with knowledge of the vote added.
Simmons, whose departure is effective immediately, doesn’t have a successor named yet. Her departure was announced by the Academy in an email on Friday. Simmons previously joined the Academy COO in late 2018, and was President and COO of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Also Read:
Ariana DeBose, Troy Kotsur, Billie Eilish Among 397 Invited to Join Oscars Academy
Kramer...
- 7/1/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Christine Simmons is no longer the chief operating officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, effective Friday, an individual with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Simmons joined the Academy as COO in 2018. The group hadn’t had someone in the role since 2013, when Ric Robertson resigned as COO. Simmons was responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprising the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
It is unclear whether Simmons was let go or whether she decided to leave on her own accord.
Prior to becoming president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, Simmons served as executive vp of Magic Johnson Enterprises, where she led the day-to-day operations of the Sparks throughout the team’s first season.
Christine Simmons is no longer the chief operating officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, effective Friday, an individual with knowledge of the situation tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Simmons joined the Academy as COO in 2018. The group hadn’t had someone in the role since 2013, when Ric Robertson resigned as COO. Simmons was responsible for the day-to-day management and enhancement of the Academy’s internal organization and infrastructure, with focus on the Academy Foundation, comprising the Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, its educational programs and the Science and Technology Council.
It is unclear whether Simmons was let go or whether she decided to leave on her own accord.
Prior to becoming president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, Simmons served as executive vp of Magic Johnson Enterprises, where she led the day-to-day operations of the Sparks throughout the team’s first season.
- 7/1/2022
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Christine Simmons is out as COO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as new CEO Bill Kramer takes the Oscar org’s reins today — weeks ahead of his scheduled start date.
Simmons’ departure is effective immediately, but no successor has been named. The Academy unveiled her exit in an email this morning and offered the usual best wishes for her as-yet-unspecified future. Simmons “is no longer with the Academy,” the email read in part.
Kramer is taking up his new chief exec post today — Day 1 of AMPAS’ new fiscal year — rather than the July 18 date that was set when the move was announced on June 7. He replaces Dawn Hudson, who is exiting her post after an 11-year run.
Governors Awards: Michael J. Fox, Diane Warren, Peter Weir & Euzhan Palcy Set For Academy Honors
Kramer, who’s also director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,...
Simmons’ departure is effective immediately, but no successor has been named. The Academy unveiled her exit in an email this morning and offered the usual best wishes for her as-yet-unspecified future. Simmons “is no longer with the Academy,” the email read in part.
Kramer is taking up his new chief exec post today — Day 1 of AMPAS’ new fiscal year — rather than the July 18 date that was set when the move was announced on June 7. He replaces Dawn Hudson, who is exiting her post after an 11-year run.
Governors Awards: Michael J. Fox, Diane Warren, Peter Weir & Euzhan Palcy Set For Academy Honors
Kramer, who’s also director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,...
- 7/1/2022
- by Erik Pedersen and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Shawn Finnie to EVP Member Relations and Awards, Academy COO Christine Simmons said Friday.
The Academy announced in January the appointment of publicity veteran and former Paramount exec Fernando Garcia to the position. Although its release at the time said he was slated to start February 8, he never did. There is no mention of him in today’s release about Finnie, and sources simply tell me “the Academy did not proceed with employment.” The position officially has been vacant since Lorenza Munoz left AMPAS in September to join Amazon Studios as the streamer’s Senior Global Awards Executive.
Finnie, who will report to Simmons, has been with AMPAS for eight years, most recently as senior director of the department where he has now been promoted to the top spot. He knows the territory well. He will lead engagement and outreach...
The Academy announced in January the appointment of publicity veteran and former Paramount exec Fernando Garcia to the position. Although its release at the time said he was slated to start February 8, he never did. There is no mention of him in today’s release about Finnie, and sources simply tell me “the Academy did not proceed with employment.” The position officially has been vacant since Lorenza Munoz left AMPAS in September to join Amazon Studios as the streamer’s Senior Global Awards Executive.
Finnie, who will report to Simmons, has been with AMPAS for eight years, most recently as senior director of the department where he has now been promoted to the top spot. He knows the territory well. He will lead engagement and outreach...
- 6/11/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Shawn Finnie to executive VP of member relations and awards.
In his new role, Finnie will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the Academy’s global membership of over 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. He will also oversee the processes for submissions, rules and voting. Leading a team of more than 20 staff, Finnie will also work closely with the Academy’s office of representation, inclusion and equity andf the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. He will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons, who made the announcement of his promotion.
“Shawn is a unique and innovative leader,” Simmons said. “He brings to this position the collaborative, solution-oriented and engaging style that has driven results throughout his time at the Academy. His efforts to foster greater representation and connectivity among the global membership, expand how we serve our members...
In his new role, Finnie will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the Academy’s global membership of over 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. He will also oversee the processes for submissions, rules and voting. Leading a team of more than 20 staff, Finnie will also work closely with the Academy’s office of representation, inclusion and equity andf the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. He will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons, who made the announcement of his promotion.
“Shawn is a unique and innovative leader,” Simmons said. “He brings to this position the collaborative, solution-oriented and engaging style that has driven results throughout his time at the Academy. His efforts to foster greater representation and connectivity among the global membership, expand how we serve our members...
- 6/11/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present a virtual program titled “AccessAbility/VisAbility: Breaking Down the Barriers for People with Disabilities in Media,” featuring conversations with filmmakers with disabilities as they examine the struggles and successes in Hollywood.
Hosted by Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin (“Children of a Lesser God”), the three-panel event will feature artists from the disability community. Millicent Simmonds, who starred in Todd Haynes’ “Wonderstruck,” and Zack Gottsagen, who garnered awards buzz for 2019’s “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” are among the panelists.
The series continues AMPAS’ work at highlighting underrepresented voices in Hollywood. “The Academy’s focus is to bring diverse voices to the forefront of conversation, whether it’s people with cognitive or physical disabilities, who are deaf or hard of hearing, those in underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, or the LGBTQ+ community,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in an email to Variety.
Hosted by Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin (“Children of a Lesser God”), the three-panel event will feature artists from the disability community. Millicent Simmonds, who starred in Todd Haynes’ “Wonderstruck,” and Zack Gottsagen, who garnered awards buzz for 2019’s “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” are among the panelists.
The series continues AMPAS’ work at highlighting underrepresented voices in Hollywood. “The Academy’s focus is to bring diverse voices to the forefront of conversation, whether it’s people with cognitive or physical disabilities, who are deaf or hard of hearing, those in underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, or the LGBTQ+ community,” Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in an email to Variety.
- 10/26/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Allyship has been one of the most helpful shifts in bringing about diversity, equity and inclusion, said Vernā Myers, Netflix’s vice president of inclusion strategy.
“When people get busy becoming an ally they discover all sorts of powerful things and they become part of the solution,” she said during episode nine of Variety‘s Rebooting the Entertainment Industry series, sponsored by PwC and Ad Council, on Tuesday.
The episode covered “The Entertainment and Media Workforce,” specifically focusing in on diversity and equity in organizations creating media. Other panelists included Ben Lopez, executive director at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers; Blair H. Taylor, a PwC partner for people and organization and co-lead of diversity and inclusion; Craig Robinson, external vice president and chief diversity officer at NBCUniversal; and Christine Simmons, chief operating officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Though it’s been a decades-long conversation across industries,...
“When people get busy becoming an ally they discover all sorts of powerful things and they become part of the solution,” she said during episode nine of Variety‘s Rebooting the Entertainment Industry series, sponsored by PwC and Ad Council, on Tuesday.
The episode covered “The Entertainment and Media Workforce,” specifically focusing in on diversity and equity in organizations creating media. Other panelists included Ben Lopez, executive director at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers; Blair H. Taylor, a PwC partner for people and organization and co-lead of diversity and inclusion; Craig Robinson, external vice president and chief diversity officer at NBCUniversal; and Christine Simmons, chief operating officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Though it’s been a decades-long conversation across industries,...
- 10/6/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety 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
- Thompson on Hollywood
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
- Thompson on Hollywood
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