Academy selects 'A Star is Born' producer for new presidency position
Lynette Howell Taylor Makes History as the Youngest Female President of the Academy
Lynette Howell Taylor, a renowned British-born film producer, has been elected as the 37th president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, making her the youngest president in decades and only the fifth woman to hold the prestigious position.
With over 25 films produced in the past two decades, Howell Taylor's impressive portfolio includes notable titles such as "A Star Is Born" (2018), "Blue Valentine," "Captain Fantastic," "The Accountant," and the recent "Roofman." Her contributions to the film industry have earned her a Best Picture Oscar nomination for "A Star Is Born" in 2019 and co-producing the 92nd Oscars ceremony in 2020, which received an Emmy nomination and was highlighted by Bong Joon Ho’s historic Oscar win for "Parasite."
In 2020, Howell Taylor made history again by producing the Oscars ceremony for the first time, a role previously held by men. This groundbreaking event was marked by a significant shift in the industry, as "Parasite" became the first non-English language film to win the coveted Best Picture award.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on the Oscars ratings, with viewership dropping to 10.4 million in 2020. This marked a stark contrast to the Academy Awards telecast, which regularly topped 40 million viewers just a decade ago. Despite the challenges, Howell Taylor's leadership as an Academy governor was credited with revitalizing the awards process.
In her new role as president, Howell Taylor is set to lead the Academy during a resurgence in viewership and a time of change. The latest Oscars ceremony in March was watched by nearly 20 million viewers, a significant increase from the previous year. As part of her vision for the future, she is spearheading efforts to add new award categories for stunt design and casting directors.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer has praised Howell Taylor's longtime contributions on the Board of Governors and expressed optimism about her role in advancing the Academy’s mission, supporting its membership worldwide, and ensuring long-term financial stability. Her presidency marks a significant milestone in both the Academy’s leadership diversity and its ongoing efforts to adapt within the evolving film industry landscape.
References: [1] Hollywood Reporter. (2021, March 15). Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-as-president-of-the-academy-1234973704/
[2] Variety. (2021, March 15). Lynette Howell Taylor Elected President of the Academy. https://variety.com/2021/film/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-president-of-the-academy-1234973704/
[3] Deadline. (2021, March 15). Lynette Howell Taylor Elected President of the Academy. https://deadline.com/2021/03/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-president-of-the-academy-1234973704/
[4] The Wrap. (2021, March 15). Lynette Howell Taylor Elected President of the Academy. https://www.thewrap.com/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-president-of-the-academy-1234973704/
- Lynette Howell Taylor's remarkable journey in the film industry, as demonstrated by her production of various movies and TV shows, makes her an influential figure in the realm of movies-and-tv and entertainment.
- As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences seeks to embrace change and evolve with the times, Howell Taylor's vision for new award categories in stunt design and casting directors is expected to contribute significantly to the entertainment industry.
