Following the departure of EVP Shawn Finnie, the fourth Black executive to exit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a year, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang sent a letter to members on Friday affirming their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying there is “still much more work to do.”
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
- 7/15/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently addressed the departure of multiple Black executives from its organization in a letter sent to its members.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion programs while acknowledging the concerns raised by the exits in a letter exclusively obtained by Variety on Saturday.
Read More: Academy Invites Nearly 400 Prospective New Members, Including Taylor Swift, Austin Butler & More
The letter expressed a strong determination to expand efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Academy and the film industry.
The departures of four Black leaders, including Christine Simmons and Shawn Finnie, were noted. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Meredith Shea as chief membership and diversity officer was also mentioned.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and...
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion programs while acknowledging the concerns raised by the exits in a letter exclusively obtained by Variety on Saturday.
Read More: Academy Invites Nearly 400 Prospective New Members, Including Taylor Swift, Austin Butler & More
The letter expressed a strong determination to expand efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Academy and the film industry.
The departures of four Black leaders, including Christine Simmons and Shawn Finnie, were noted. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Meredith Shea as chief membership and diversity officer was also mentioned.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and...
- 7/15/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has sent a letter to members on Friday, affirming their commitment to diversity following the departure of several Black executives from the organization.
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent a letter to its members on Friday evening, addressing the recent departure of multiple Black executives from its organization over the past few weeks.
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
After two years in the role and 9 total with the organization, Shawn Finnie has resigned as executive vice president, Member Relations and Awards for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, TheWrap has confirmed.
He was promoted into the role in June, 2021; his last day with the organization was July 13. Prior to serving in the position, Finnie was a longstanding and well-respected member of the organization, having served in a variety of roles and frequently promoted over his tenure. During his time with Member Relations and Awards, Finnie was also involved in the Academy’s Dei efforts and according to Variety, who first reported his resignation, he was specifically praised for his work by Rosie Perez.
Finnie’s exit comes just over 2 weeks after that of the film academy’s executive vice president of impact and inclusion, Jeanell English, who quit after just one year in the job. Finnie...
He was promoted into the role in June, 2021; his last day with the organization was July 13. Prior to serving in the position, Finnie was a longstanding and well-respected member of the organization, having served in a variety of roles and frequently promoted over his tenure. During his time with Member Relations and Awards, Finnie was also involved in the Academy’s Dei efforts and according to Variety, who first reported his resignation, he was specifically praised for his work by Rosie Perez.
Finnie’s exit comes just over 2 weeks after that of the film academy’s executive vice president of impact and inclusion, Jeanell English, who quit after just one year in the job. Finnie...
- 7/15/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Shawn Finnie, executive VP of member relations, global outreach and awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is leaving the organization after nearly a decade, Variety has learned exclusively. His final day was Thursday, July 13.
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
On March 8, the eighth annual Icon Mann Honors paid tribute to “The Woman King” director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who was lauded for her hallmark filmmaking and for inspiring culture by breaking new ground in cinema.
Striving for a better future in the arts, she addressed the audience that gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills.
“I have always believed our greatness is reflected in our work and the ways that we show the world the incredible breadth of our humanity.”
The driving force for her career was further described during her acceptance speech. “From the beginning, I tell stories of Black women and girls and reframe the narrative of who we are and what we can be. I want us to look up on the screen and see ourselves reflected in a way that inspires us and that we can aspire to be. And I’m proud of the Black...
Striving for a better future in the arts, she addressed the audience that gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills.
“I have always believed our greatness is reflected in our work and the ways that we show the world the incredible breadth of our humanity.”
The driving force for her career was further described during her acceptance speech. “From the beginning, I tell stories of Black women and girls and reframe the narrative of who we are and what we can be. I want us to look up on the screen and see ourselves reflected in a way that inspires us and that we can aspire to be. And I’m proud of the Black...
- 3/9/2023
- by Elizabeth Taylor
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reginald Hudlin were celebrated Wednesday evening at the eighth pre-Oscar dinner of Icon Mann, a media and consulting company run by Tamara Houston that is dedicated to honoring the achievements of artists of color and providing a meeting place for powerful Black men, in particular.
During an elegant ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills that was hosted by CBS News anchor Errol Barnett, many of the most distinguished members of Hollywood’s Black community gathered to fete the veteran filmmakers behind two of 2022’s most acclaimed films — Prince-Bythewood’s Sony historical drama The Woman King and Hudlin’s Apple TV+ documentary feature Sidney — both of which were glaringly passed over for recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the first person to toast Prince-Bythewood — the recipient of the Maverick Award “for breaking boundaries in the cinematic and televised...
During an elegant ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills that was hosted by CBS News anchor Errol Barnett, many of the most distinguished members of Hollywood’s Black community gathered to fete the veteran filmmakers behind two of 2022’s most acclaimed films — Prince-Bythewood’s Sony historical drama The Woman King and Hudlin’s Apple TV+ documentary feature Sidney — both of which were glaringly passed over for recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the first person to toast Prince-Bythewood — the recipient of the Maverick Award “for breaking boundaries in the cinematic and televised...
- 3/9/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In another 48 hours, we’ll know if it worked—the Oscar show’s Audience Replacement Therapy.
Almost inevitably, total viewers for Sunday night’s Academy Awards telecast on ABC will rise from last year’s pathetic 10.4 million. The bar is very low, and other recent awards shows—the Emmys, SAG, Critics Choice—have all caught a bounce. For the Oscars to miss the general uptick would be disastrous indeed.
But the more interesting issues will involve the identity of that presumably expanded audience. Because, in the run-up to Sunday night’s show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apparently has been working not so much to get its lost viewers back, as to replace them.
Oscar producer Will Packer, talking with IndieWire, has pointed toward the Super Bowl, describing an event strategy calculated to entice viewers with songs, laughs and entertainment value, no matter who is playing in the game.
Almost inevitably, total viewers for Sunday night’s Academy Awards telecast on ABC will rise from last year’s pathetic 10.4 million. The bar is very low, and other recent awards shows—the Emmys, SAG, Critics Choice—have all caught a bounce. For the Oscars to miss the general uptick would be disastrous indeed.
But the more interesting issues will involve the identity of that presumably expanded audience. Because, in the run-up to Sunday night’s show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apparently has been working not so much to get its lost viewers back, as to replace them.
Oscar producer Will Packer, talking with IndieWire, has pointed toward the Super Bowl, describing an event strategy calculated to entice viewers with songs, laughs and entertainment value, no matter who is playing in the game.
- 3/26/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Shawn Finnie to EVP Member Relations and Awards, Academy COO Christine Simmons said Friday.
The Academy announced in January the appointment of publicity veteran and former Paramount exec Fernando Garcia to the position. Although its release at the time said he was slated to start February 8, he never did. There is no mention of him in today’s release about Finnie, and sources simply tell me “the Academy did not proceed with employment.” The position officially has been vacant since Lorenza Munoz left AMPAS in September to join Amazon Studios as the streamer’s Senior Global Awards Executive.
Finnie, who will report to Simmons, has been with AMPAS for eight years, most recently as senior director of the department where he has now been promoted to the top spot. He knows the territory well. He will lead engagement and outreach...
The Academy announced in January the appointment of publicity veteran and former Paramount exec Fernando Garcia to the position. Although its release at the time said he was slated to start February 8, he never did. There is no mention of him in today’s release about Finnie, and sources simply tell me “the Academy did not proceed with employment.” The position officially has been vacant since Lorenza Munoz left AMPAS in September to join Amazon Studios as the streamer’s Senior Global Awards Executive.
Finnie, who will report to Simmons, has been with AMPAS for eight years, most recently as senior director of the department where he has now been promoted to the top spot. He knows the territory well. He will lead engagement and outreach...
- 6/11/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Shawn Finnie to executive VP of member relations and awards.
In his new role, Finnie will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the Academy’s global membership of over 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. He will also oversee the processes for submissions, rules and voting. Leading a team of more than 20 staff, Finnie will also work closely with the Academy’s office of representation, inclusion and equity andf the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. He will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons, who made the announcement of his promotion.
“Shawn is a unique and innovative leader,” Simmons said. “He brings to this position the collaborative, solution-oriented and engaging style that has driven results throughout his time at the Academy. His efforts to foster greater representation and connectivity among the global membership, expand how we serve our members...
In his new role, Finnie will lead engagement and outreach initiatives for the Academy’s global membership of over 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. He will also oversee the processes for submissions, rules and voting. Leading a team of more than 20 staff, Finnie will also work closely with the Academy’s office of representation, inclusion and equity andf the branch executive committees on member representation and inclusion efforts. He will report to Academy COO Christine Simmons, who made the announcement of his promotion.
“Shawn is a unique and innovative leader,” Simmons said. “He brings to this position the collaborative, solution-oriented and engaging style that has driven results throughout his time at the Academy. His efforts to foster greater representation and connectivity among the global membership, expand how we serve our members...
- 6/11/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The 24th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival, which takes place on September 23-27, has unveiled their full virtual lineup of over 100 official selections panels and conversations which will be available online. The fest has also added a spotlight conversation around Amazon Studios docu All In: The Fight for Democracy, its new Creativity Uncovered series, Overstand’s virtual pitch event, their #ShareTheMic Instagram takeover as well as additional guests.
On September 23, there will be a conversation with All In: The Fight for Democracy directors Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus along with activist DeRay McKesson and moderator Keith Boykin. The day prior marks National Voter Registration Day and to align with this, All In: The Fight for Democracy will be available on Urbanworld’s Vimeo Channel for the full day with an introduction by Fair Fight Action’s Stacey Abrams, along with directors and producers Garbus and Cortés.
The full agenda...
On September 23, there will be a conversation with All In: The Fight for Democracy directors Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus along with activist DeRay McKesson and moderator Keith Boykin. The day prior marks National Voter Registration Day and to align with this, All In: The Fight for Democracy will be available on Urbanworld’s Vimeo Channel for the full day with an introduction by Fair Fight Action’s Stacey Abrams, along with directors and producers Garbus and Cortés.
The full agenda...
- 9/18/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a series of virtual panels aimed at addressing issues of race and gender equity in conversations led by Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Daniels and others.
The series called “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” is part of the Academy Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative and is a step toward the Oscars’ continued push for more diversity. The series kicked off with a virtual chat between Goldberg and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson that was held on July 21 and is available online now.
Other panelists included in the series are Victoria Alonso, Lisa Cortés, Debra Martin Chase, Carmen Cuba, DeVon Franklin, Nadia Hallgren, Taraji P. Henson, Franklin Leonard, Delroy Lindo, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Bao Nguyen, Dawn Porter, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ivette Rodriguez, Bird Runningwater, Misan Sagay, Bryan Stevenson, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Ligiah Villalobos, Lulu Wang, Emil Wilbekin and Roger Ross Williams.
Also Read: Oscars...
The series called “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” is part of the Academy Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative and is a step toward the Oscars’ continued push for more diversity. The series kicked off with a virtual chat between Goldberg and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson that was held on July 21 and is available online now.
Other panelists included in the series are Victoria Alonso, Lisa Cortés, Debra Martin Chase, Carmen Cuba, DeVon Franklin, Nadia Hallgren, Taraji P. Henson, Franklin Leonard, Delroy Lindo, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Bao Nguyen, Dawn Porter, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ivette Rodriguez, Bird Runningwater, Misan Sagay, Bryan Stevenson, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Ligiah Villalobos, Lulu Wang, Emil Wilbekin and Roger Ross Williams.
Also Read: Oscars...
- 8/20/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Daniels, Marvel executive Victoria Alonso and more Hollywood heavyweights are on board for a new virtual conversation series from the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The series, titled “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us,” is part of the group’s Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative. Topics will include race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
“With our ‘Academy Dialogues’ series, the Academy is creating a space for our members — and the public — to talk about inclusion in a way that is timely, relevant and allows for a meaningful exchange on how to bring systemic change to Hollywood,” said Lorenza Muñoz, exec VP of member relations and awards. “These conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to broaden the stories that are getting told and increase opportunities for those who have been excluded.”
First up is a chat with...
The series, titled “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us,” is part of the group’s Aperture 2025 equity and inclusion initiative. Topics will include race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking.
“With our ‘Academy Dialogues’ series, the Academy is creating a space for our members — and the public — to talk about inclusion in a way that is timely, relevant and allows for a meaningful exchange on how to bring systemic change to Hollywood,” said Lorenza Muñoz, exec VP of member relations and awards. “These conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to broaden the stories that are getting told and increase opportunities for those who have been excluded.”
First up is a chat with...
- 8/20/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative public by expanding its in-house conversation series “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” to include access not only for their entire membership but also the public — which, of course, includes a larger swath of the non-member industry members as well.
Aimed to provide discussions on race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking, the series notably included one edition in July featuring AMPAS board member Whoopi Goldberg interviewing civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson on the “Power of Narrative.” It is available for view now on YouTube, but AMPAS is ramping up the volume, as it were, as these issues move front and center in a more urgent way, not only for the Academy...
Aimed to provide discussions on race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking, the series notably included one edition in July featuring AMPAS board member Whoopi Goldberg interviewing civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson on the “Power of Narrative.” It is available for view now on YouTube, but AMPAS is ramping up the volume, as it were, as these issues move front and center in a more urgent way, not only for the Academy...
- 8/20/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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