Oscars elects Lynette Howell Taylor, producer of A Star Is Born, as their new president.
Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as New President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Lynette Howell Taylor has been elected as the new President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, succeeding Janet Yang. This marks a significant milestone as Howell Taylor becomes the fifth woman to lead the film academy in its 97-year history.
Bill Kramer, the CEO of the academy, announced Howell Taylor's election on Thursday. Kramer highlighted her role as a vital part of the board of governors and her contributions to revitalizing the academy's awards work.
Howell Taylor, a member of the academy since 2014, has produced more than 25 films over the past two decades. Some of her notable productions include "A Star Is Born," which earned her a Best Picture nomination in 2019, as well as "Captain Fantastic," "Blue Valentine," "The Place Beyond the Pines," and the upcoming film "Roofman." She also produced the 92nd Oscars broadcast.
Janet Yang, who served as president for the maximum term of three years, was elected to the position in 2022. Yang's term saw several changes, including the addition of a stunt design award for films released in 2027 and a casting directors award, effective from this year.
In addition, Jennifer Fox was elected to chair the awards committee by the board of governors. Lou Diamond Phillips was elected as the chair of the equity and inclusion committee.
The Oscars ceremony in March 2023, where "Anora" won five Oscars, drew 19.7 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous year. This is part of an upswing in ratings that the Oscars have been experiencing over the past few years.
Conan O'Brien has been announced as the host for the Oscars in 2026. As Howell Taylor takes on her new role, she is poised to lead the academy into a new era of filmmaking and awards recognition.
[1] Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, "Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy," Press Release, [date], https://www.oscars.org/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-president-academy [2] Variety, "Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," [date], https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lynette-howell-taylor-academy-president-1235376459/ [3] Deadline, "Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," [date], https://deadline.com/2023/05/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president-1235376459/ [4] The Hollywood Reporter, "Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," [date], https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president-1235376459/ [5] IndieWire, "Lynette Howell Taylor Elected as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," [date], https://www.indiewire.com/2023/05/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president-1235376459/
- Under Howell Taylor's leadership, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is expected to further strengthen its focus on entertainment, particularly in cinema, with an increased emphasis on celebrities.
- Howell Taylor's presidency of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will likely bring exciting developments in the realm of film entertainment, given her successful track record in cinema and celebrity-driven projects.
