LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with CHANEL, proudly announces Alina Simone and Marlén Viñayo as the 2025 Academy Gold Fellowship for Women recipients. This prestigious one-year program, part of the Academy’s global talent development initiatives, provides emerging women filmmakers with unparalleled mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to elevate their cinematic careers.The fellowship, awarded annually to one U.S.-based and one non-U.S.-based filmmaker, reflects the Academy’s commitment to fostering diverse voices in film. “We are thrilled to champion Alina Simone and Marlén Viñayo, whose bold storytelling and creative vision embody the spirit of this fellowship,” said Kim Taylor-Coleman, Academy governor and president of the Academy Foundation Board. “With CHANEL’s steadfast support, we’re opening doors for women filmmakers to shape the future of cinema.”Alina Simone: A Voice for Impactful Storytelling
Ukrainian-born journalist and filmmaker Alina Simone has captivated audiences with her debut documentary, Black Snow (2024), executive produced by Erin Brockovich. Premiering at CPH:DOX, the film has screened at over 20 international festivals, earning accolades like the Cinema Eye Honors Spotlight Award and the Sustainable Future Award at Sydney Film Festival. Distributed by PBS for its 2025-26 POV season, Simone’s work blends investigative rigor with cinematic artistry, drawing from her contributions to outlets like The New York Times and NPR.Marlén Viñayo: Redefining Documentary Cinema
Based in El Salvador, Marlén Viñayo has made waves with her production company, La Jaula Abierta Films. Her films, including Cachada: The Opportunity (2019) and Unforgivable (2020), have garnered awards at festivals like SXSW, IDFA, and Hot Docs, with selections at over 150 festivals worldwide. Viñayo’s accolades include the 2021 Gabo Award and an Emmy nomination in 2019, cementing her as a trailblazer in documentary storytelling.A Legacy of Empowerment
The Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, supported by CHANEL, continues Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy of championing women in the arts. Fellows gain access to the Academy Gold Alumni Network, ensuring ongoing career support and professional development. Applicants must be alumnae of Academy talent programs or nominated by industry partners, with non-U.S. candidates recommended by leading film organizations.This year’s fellows were chosen from a competitive pool of finalists, including U.S. filmmakers Coleen Baik and Jasmín Mara López, and non-U.S. filmmakers Zaynê Akyol and Mor Israeli.
For more details, visit oscars.org/academy-gold/fellowship-for-women.
This article celebrates the Academy’s mission to uplift women filmmakers, spotlighting two extraordinary talents poised to shape the future of global cinema.
