In a compacted election period due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has announced those candidates who have been elected to the Board Of Governors.
Among those voted in for their first term on the board are Ava DuVernay (Selma, 13th, When They See Us) for the directors branch, and co-producer of this year’s Oscar show Lynette Howell Taylor (A Star Is Born) for the producers branch. Other first-timers are Debra Zane for casting directors, Stephen Rivkin for film editors, Linda Flowers in makeup and hairstylists, and Rob Bredow for visual effects.
Actors branch governor and Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg will be among those returning to the board for a new three year term as she was successfully re-elected by her fellow thesps, the branch that had the largest number of contenders this time around with 19 candidates vying for the position. Others re-elected include Mandy Walker (cinematographers), Iris Mussenden (costume designers), Kate Amend (documentary), David Linde (executives), Christina Kounelias (marketing and PR), Charles Bernstein (music), Wynn P. Thomas (production designers), Teri E. Dorman (sound), and Larry Karasewski (writers). Returning after a hiatus is Jon Bloom (short films and feature animation).
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AMPAS reports that the results of this election means women board members have increased from 25 to 26 and people of color from 11 to 12 including the three Governors-At-Large.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
For a full list of the current 2019-2020 Academy governors, click here.
The Academy’s Board is expected to meet tomorrow via video conference and will be looking at possible major changes for the 2021 Oscar show. It is widely expected that the current date of February 28th will be pushed later into March or possibly April due to industry-wide problems posed by the pandemic. Last month the Academy Board announced major temporary changes in eligibility for the 2020 calendar year including allowing streamers and VOD to compete without the usual 7 day qualifying run due to theatres being closed.
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