Key Points

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has elected producer Lynette Howell Taylor as its new president, succeeding Janet Yang. Known for films like 'A Star is Born', Taylor now joins an elite group of just five women to hold this position since 1941. Academy CEO Bill Kramer praised her transformative work on awards committees during her board tenure. The leadership shuffle also includes new officers like actor Lou Diamond Phillips while maintaining continuity with re-elected members.

Key Points: Lynette Howell Taylor Elected AMPAS President Succeeding Janet Yang

  • Taylor becomes 5th female AMPAS president in Academy history
  • Replaces Janet Yang after her 2021-2025 tenure
  • Producer behind 'A Star is Born' and Channing Tatum's 'Roofman'
  • Board officers include Lou Diamond Phillips in first-term roles
2 min read

Producer Lynette Howell Taylor elected as new President of Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Producer Lynette Howell Taylor named Academy President, joining historic women leaders like Bette Davis and Janet Yang in shaping AMPAS future.

"Lynette has revitalised our awards work... I so look forward to working with her - Bill Kramer"

Washington, DC, August 1

Producer Lynette Howell Taylor has been named the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) by the organisation's Board of Governors, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, Taylor replaces Janet Yang, who has served as the Academy's president since 2021.

With this, Howell Taylor becomes the fifth woman behind Yang (2021-2025), Fay Kanin (1979-1983), Cheryl Boone Isaacs (2013-2017) and Bette Davis (Davis resigned after two months in 1941) to hold the position.

Howell Taylor is beginning her first term as president during her second term as a governor representing the Producers Branch, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, Howell Taylor has previously served for three years as vice president and chair of the Awards Committee. Lesley Barber and Howard A. Rodman were re-elected as officers. It will be the first officer stint for Jennifer Fox, Simon Kilmurry and Lou Diamond Phillips.

After naming Howell Taylor as the President of AMPAS, Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed his belief in the new board officers and shared his excitement to work with the new President.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer said, "Lynette has been a vital part of the Academy Board of Governors for many years, most recently revitalising our awards work as chair of the board's Awards Committee. I so look forward to working with her as our new Academy President, as well as with these incredibly dedicated and strategic board officers. This is an exceptional group of Academy members who will advance the Academy's mission, support our membership around the world, ensure our long-term financial stability, and celebrate the achievements of the global filmmaking community," as quoted by Variety.

Howell Taylor's credits include 'A Star is Born,' 'The Accountant 2,' 'The Accountant, ' and 'Blue Valentine.' She is also behind the upcoming feature 'Roofman', which stars Channing Tatum in the lead role.

As per the Academy's bylaws, Academy board members may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms for a lifetime maximum of 12 years, reported Variety.

Officers serve one-year terms, with a maximum of four consecutive years in any one office.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While this is good news, I wish the Academy would focus more on international films. Our Bollywood and regional cinema industries produce gems that often get overlooked at these awards.
A
Arjun K
Lynette seems qualified but I'm curious - will she address the pay gap issues in Hollywood? And when will we see an Indian president of AMPAS? Our film industry is massive too!
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Sarah B
As an expat in Mumbai, I find it interesting how Hollywood leadership changes make headlines here. Shows how global cinema has become. Wishing Lynette all the best in her new role!
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Vikram M
The Academy needs to stop being so America-centric. With streaming platforms, world cinema is more accessible than ever. Hope the new president expands the Best Picture category to include more international films.
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Kavya N
Congratulations to Lynette! 👏 But I do wish Indian film organizations like Filmfare would also consider having term limits for their leadership. Our industry could benefit from fresh perspectives too.

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