The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the leadership structure for its 2026-2027 committees and affinity groups. These newly appointed chairs and vice chairs, who will each serve a one-year term, were introduced during the Academy's annual all-members meeting. This announcement includes the formation of the new Academy Marquee Theater Committee, signaling an expansion of the Academy's strategic initiatives. The selections underscore the organization's dedication to its member-driven principles, aiming to strengthen its mission and secure its future trajectory in the cinematic landscape.
The Academy Marquee Theater Committee, a newly established body, will be jointly led by Sean Baker from the Directors Branch and Samantha Quan from the Producers Branch. Their primary responsibility will involve evaluating submissions and recommending theaters for inclusion in the Academy Marquee Theater List, a key initiative for recognizing significant cinematic venues. This partnership highlights a focus on curating and acknowledging spaces vital to film exhibition and appreciation.
Several other significant appointments have been made across various awards committees. The International Feature Film Executive Committee, tasked with overseeing the rules, submission criteria, and eligibility for the esteemed International Feature Film Oscar category, will be co-chaired by Michèle Ohayon of the Documentary Branch and James Wilson of the Producers Branch. Meanwhile, the Short Films Qualifying Festivals Selection Committee, which determines the eligibility of global festivals and awards for Oscar qualification in animated, documentary, and live-action short film categories, will be headed by Summer Joy Main-Muñoz from the Short Films Branch. Additionally, the Scientific and Technical Awards Executive Committee, responsible for reviewing submissions and making recommendations for Scientific and Technical Awards recipients, will see Darin Grant and Rachel Rose, both from the Visual Effects Branch, serving as co-chairs.
In terms of membership, a diverse array of individuals will lead the Branch and Category Executive Committees. These committees manage branch and category-specific affairs, including awards regulations, eligibility, and the review of potential Academy members. Rita Wilson will chair the Actors Branch Executive Committee, Marlon West the Animation Branch, Kim Taylor-Coleman the Casting Directors Branch, and Paul Cameron the Cinematographers Branch, among others. These appointments reflect the broad scope of expertise and representation within the Academy.
Furthermore, several committees and affinity groups focused on international engagement and inclusivity have received new leadership. Peter Devlin (Sound Branch) will chair the International Engagement Committee, with Khadija Alami (Producers Branch) as vice chair, to foster global member connectivity. Maggie Todd (Marketing and Public Relations Branch) and May Leung (Visual Effects Branch) will lead the London Committee, providing guidance on UK member screenings. Similarly, Mia Neal (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch) and Dana O’Keefe (Executives Branch) will head the New York Committee. The Academy’s Affinity Groups, designed to unite members from diverse backgrounds and foster community, will also see new leadership. These include Stephanie Lowry (Music Branch) for the Asian Affinity Group, Taura Stinson (Music Branch) for the Black Caucus, Àlex Lora (Short Films Branch) for Disability & Accessibility, and Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch) and Steven Raphael (Marketing and Public Relations Branch) for the Jewish Heritage Affinity Group. Other groups like La Agenda, LGBTQ+ Coalition, MENA & WANA Alliance, and the Women's Affinity Group also received new chairs and vice chairs, emphasizing the Academy's commitment to diverse representation and support.
The Academy Foundation Committees also announced key leadership roles. Bird Runningwater (Production and Technology Branch) will chair the Academy Museum Inclusion Advisory Committee, focusing on ensuring an inclusive museum experience. Brooke Breton (Visual Effects Branch) will lead the Student Academy Awards Executive Committee, guiding the international student filmmaking competition. The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Executive Committee, supporting emerging screenwriters, will be chaired by Kim Taylor-Coleman (Casting Directors Branch). Lastly, Annie Chang (Production and Technology Branch) and Nick Cannon (Production and Technology Branch) will chair and vice chair the Science and Technology Council, which guides initiatives related to scientific and technological advancements in filmmaking.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has reinforced its organizational structure by appointing new leadership across its various committees and affinity groups for the upcoming year. This comprehensive update includes the establishment of a new committee focused on theatrical venues, alongside appointments for crucial awards-related, membership-focused, and foundational initiatives. The selections underscore a strategic effort to enhance the Academy's operational effectiveness, promote diversity, and ensure its continued relevance and impact within the global film industry through the collective expertise of its members.
