"Oscars organization welcomes new president Lynette Howell Taylor, formerly a producer of 'A Star Is Born'"
Lynette Howell Taylor has been elected as the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, effective from July 2025. She succeeds Janet Yang, who served for a maximum term of three years and was elected to the position in 2022.
Howell Taylor, a veteran producer with over 25 films under her belt, brings extensive experience to the role. She has produced Oscar-nominated films like "A Star Is Born" and co-produced the Emmy-nominated 92nd Oscars ceremony.
Under her leadership, the Academy aims to advance its mission, support its worldwide membership, maintain financial stability, and celebrate achievements in global filmmaking. While specific detailed changes for the future of the Oscars have not been explicitly outlined, the Academy under Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer is said to be continuing to confront a "rapidly shifting landscape" in both the Oscars and the broader film industry.
One of Howell Taylor's key contributions has been in revitalizing the Academy's awards work as chair of the Awards Committee. This suggests that reforms or innovations to the awards process or ceremony may be underway to keep the Oscars relevant and reflective of contemporary filmmaking.
The Academy has also announced the addition of a stunt design award, starting with films released in 2027. Additionally, a casting directors award has been introduced, effective from this year.
Howell Taylor is the fifth woman to lead the film academy. Her election follows a trend of increased diversity within the Academy, with Lou Diamond Phillips recently elected as the chair of the equity and inclusion committee.
The Oscars have been on an upswing the past few years, with the 2023 ceremony drawing 19.7 million viewers, a slight uptick from the previous year. With Conan O'Brien returning as host for the Oscars in 2026, and Howell Taylor at the helm, the future of the Academy and the Oscars ceremony looks promising.
Sources: [1] Variety. (2025, April 1). Lynette Howell Taylor Elected President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/lynette-howell-taylor-elected-academy-president-1235395953/ [3] Deadline. (2025, April 1). Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Elects Producer Lynette Howell Taylor As New President. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2025/04/academy-of-motion-picture-arts-and-sciences-elects-producer-lynette-howell-taylor-as-new-president-1235415102/ [5] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, April 1). Lynette Howell Taylor Named President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lynette-howell-taylor-named-president-of-academy-of-motion-picture-arts-and-sciences-1235419107/
Seattle's movie and TV enthusiasts will undoubtedly be excited about the new presidency of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with Lynette Howell Taylor taking over in July 2025. As a veteran producer with a strong background in Hollywood, she has produced films like "A Star Is Born" and co-produced the 92nd Oscars ceremony, showcasing her dedication to entertainment.
