Los Angeles, CA – June 21, 2025.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its 2025-2026 Board of Governors, a dynamic blend of industry veterans and fresh talent poised to steer the organization’s strategic vision. The newly elected governors will assume their roles at the first board meeting of the new term, setting the stage for another transformative year in cinema.
Reelected Governors: Continuity in Leadership
The Academy reaffirmed its trust in several incumbent governors, recognizing their contributions across diverse branches:
The Academy reaffirmed its trust in several incumbent governors, recognizing their contributions across diverse branches:
- Marlee Matlin (Actors Branch), an Oscar-winning advocate for inclusivity.
- Marlon West (Animation Branch), a key figure in animated storytelling.
- Richard Hicks (Casting Directors Branch), shaping iconic film ensembles.
- Dion Beebe (Cinematographers Branch), an acclaimed visual craftsman.
- Jason Reitman (Directors Branch), a celebrated filmmaker with a modern voice.
- Chris Hegedus (Documentary Branch), a champion of nonfiction cinema.
- Nancy Richardson (Film Editors Branch), known for her narrative precision.
- Jason Blum (Producers Branch), a trailblazer in genre filmmaking.
- Missy Parker (Production Design Branch), creating immersive cinematic worlds.
- Peter Devlin (Sound Branch), an expert in auditory storytelling.
First-Time Governors: New Perspectives
The Board welcomes four first-time governors, each bringing unique expertise:
The Board welcomes four first-time governors, each bringing unique expertise:
- Peter Kujawski (Executives Branch), a Universal Pictures leader with a global outlook.
- Gigi Williams (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch), a veteran of transformative character design.
- Carter Burwell (Music Branch), a composer whose scores elevate storytelling.
- Andrew Roberts (Visual Effects Branch), a pioneer in cutting-edge visual innovation.
Returning Governors: A Comeback with Experience
Three governors rejoin the Board after a hiatus, ready to contribute their seasoned insights:
Three governors rejoin the Board after a hiatus, ready to contribute their seasoned insights:
- Isis Mussenden (Costume Designers Branch), a master of character-driven design.
- Christina Kounelias (Marketing and Public Relations Branch), a strategic communications expert.
- Larry Karaszewski (Writers Branch), a screenwriter with a deep industry legacy.
A Robust Returning Cohort
Joining the elected members are returning governors, including Pam Abdy, Ava DuVernay, Jennifer Fox, Andy Nelson, Rita Wilson, and Debra Zane, among others. Their collective expertise ensures a balanced approach to governance, representing the Academy’s 19 branches.
Joining the elected members are returning governors, including Pam Abdy, Ava DuVernay, Jennifer Fox, Andy Nelson, Rita Wilson, and Debra Zane, among others. Their collective expertise ensures a balanced approach to governance, representing the Academy’s 19 branches.
Branch Representation and Governance Structure
The Academy’s branches—ranging from Actors to Visual Effects—are each represented by three governors, with exceptions for the Animation Branch (two governors), and the Short Films and Production and Technology Branches (one governor each). The Production and Technology and Short Films Branches did not hold elections this cycle. Governors may serve up to two three-year terms, with a lifetime maximum of 12 years, ensuring fresh perspectives while maintaining institutional knowledge.
The Academy’s branches—ranging from Actors to Visual Effects—are each represented by three governors, with exceptions for the Animation Branch (two governors), and the Short Films and Production and Technology Branches (one governor each). The Production and Technology and Short Films Branches did not hold elections this cycle. Governors may serve up to two three-year terms, with a lifetime maximum of 12 years, ensuring fresh perspectives while maintaining institutional knowledge.
What’s Next?
Later this month, the Academy will announce new governors-at-large, further enriching the Board’s diversity of thought. The Board of Governors remains committed to preserving the Academy’s financial health, advancing its mission to celebrate cinematic excellence, and fostering innovation in the global film community.
Later this month, the Academy will announce new governors-at-large, further enriching the Board’s diversity of thought. The Board of Governors remains committed to preserving the Academy’s financial health, advancing its mission to celebrate cinematic excellence, and fostering innovation in the global film community.
A Vision for the Future
As the Academy navigates a rapidly evolving industry, this Board’s composition reflects a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and strategic foresight. Stakeholders in the motion picture arts and sciences can look forward to bold initiatives that honor tradition while embracing the future.
As the Academy navigates a rapidly evolving industry, this Board’s composition reflects a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and strategic foresight. Stakeholders in the motion picture arts and sciences can look forward to bold initiatives that honor tradition while embracing the future.
For more details, visit www.oscars.org.
