Just the FAQs!

Over the last decade, the Academy has seen significant financial and operational changes influenced by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving landscape of film distribution. In 2020, the Academy waived certain eligibility rules to adapt to theater closures, which reshaped how films were nominated and awarded, paving the way for digital releases to be considered. Financially, the Academy reported a revenue of about $147.9 million in 2019 with plans for new income sources, including membership dues and expanded museum operations that were highlighted in the launch of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2021. This strategic pivot, responding to both market conditions and community expectations, marks a transformative period for the Academy.

In response to the widespread criticism stemming from the #OscarsSoWhite movement, the Academy committed to doubling the number of women and minority members in its ranks by 2020. This initiative was sparked by the disappointment over the lack of diversity among nominees during the 2015 and 2016 Awards. The Academy subsequently implemented substantial reforms in its membership selection process, which included appointing highly diverse new members, prioritizing diverse talent across all branches, and engaging various communities in the nomination and award processes. These changes reflect a broader push for inclusivity and representation within the Academy's operations and the film industry as a whole.

The Academy is actively working to address longstanding issues of diversity and representation within its membership and the film industry. Following criticism for a lack of diversity, the Academy announced a goal to reach 50% women and underrepresented ethnicities among its members. Initiatives have included targeted outreach to underrepresented communities in film, developing partnerships with diversity-focused organizations, and creating new awards and programs that celebrate diverse talents. Furthermore, the Academy pledges ongoing evaluation and adaptation of its strategies to ensure that filmmaking reflects the diverse society it serves, showing its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all creators.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), often referred to simply as the Academy, is a professional honorary organization based in Beverly Hills, California. Founded on May 11, 1927, it aims to advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures. AMPAS is globally recognized for its annual Academy Awards, popularly known as 'The Oscars', which celebrate excellence in cinematic achievements. The organization also oversees membership that includes around 10,500 motion picture professionals as of 2023.

The idea for the Academy was spearheaded by Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), in 1927. His objective was to mediate labor disputes without unions and improve the film industry's public image. During a formal banquet held on January 11, 1927, at the Ambassador Hotel, Mayer presented the concept of the Academy, which initially included thirty-six founding members. The name 'International Academy' was later simplified to 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' when the organization was officially incorporated on May 4, 1927. Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. became the first president during its first organizational meeting on May 11, 1927.

Membership in the Academy is divided into 19 branches, representing various disciplines in motion pictures such as actors, directors, and producers. Membership is by invitation from the Board of Governors, and individuals may be recommended by current members. As of 2024, the Academy has around 10,894 confirmed members comprising 9,905 voting members, 949 non-voting emeritus members, and 40 associate members. In recent years, there has been significant effort to diversify membership to better reflect the modern film-going audience, following initiatives such as the A2020 initiative to double the number of underrepresented members by 2020.

The Academy serves multiple purposes including recognizing and upholding excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences, inspiring imagination, and connecting the world through film. Notable functions of the Academy include hosting the Academy Awards (Oscars), the Governors Awards for lifetime achievement in film, presenting Scientific and Technical Awards, and awarding the Student Academy Awards to filmmakers at undergraduate and graduate levels. The Academy also operates the Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened to the public in 2021.

As of 2024, the Academy is headed by President Janet Yang, who took office in 2022. The administration also includes several Vice Presidents and a CEO, Bill Kramer, appointed in June 2022. The Board of Governors, consisting of representatives from each of the Academy's branches, oversees the corporate management and general policies of the organization.

The Academy operates several notable facilities in Los Angeles: The headquarters at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, which includes the Samuel Goldwyn Theater featuring state-of-the-art projection equipment. Additionally, the Academy maintains two Centers for Motion Picture Study: the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study in Hollywood, housing several departments like the Academy Film Archive, and the Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study, which is home to the renowned Margaret Herrick Library.

The Academy is currently grappling with challenges regarding inclusivity within its ranks, as highlighted by the public's reaction to its nominations and membership demographics. There are ongoing debates about how to effectively represent diverse voices in a historically homogenous industry. Furthermore, as the film industry evolves with changing audience expectations, the Academy must adapt its practices to stay relevant and impactful while ensuring that its membership reflects a broader spectrum of experiences and backgrounds.

The Academy has faced criticism particularly regarding diversity and representation in its nominations for the Oscars. Notably, in 2016, all 20 nominees in the major acting categories were white, leading to the public outcry and the #OscarsSoWhite movement initiated by activist April Reign. In response to growing awareness about diversity issues, the Academy pledged to improve membership diversity and extended invitations to a record number of new members in 2018 to enhance representation. Despite these efforts, the Academy continues to address the ongoing critiques of its member composition and award nominations.

In recent years, the Academy has made significant strides in revising its membership policies to address diversity. Following the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, the Academy initiated the A2020 initiative, aimed at doubling the number of women and underrepresented minorities in its membership by 2020. The Academy also introduced measures to allow films in contention for awards to be made available to members through a designated streaming app, eliminating the traditional physical screeners. These changes represent a broader shift towards inclusivity and modernization in response to public expectations.

Notable individuals involved in the founding of the Academy include Louis B. Mayer, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and numerous industry luminaries from the 1920s. Since its establishment, various prominent figures have served as presidents of the Academy, including Fairbanks, Bette Davis, and more recently Janet Yang. Each president has contributed to the Academy's mission of advancing the film arts and science while also shaping its policies and public presence.

The Academy's membership is structured into 19 distinct branches that reflect the various disciplines within the motion picture industry. These branches include Actors, Directors, Cinematographers, Producers, and Writers, among others, each representing a specific role within film production. For example, the Actors branch, which is the largest with over 1,200 members, consists of those who portray characters in films, while the Production Designers branch focuses on creating the visual concept of a film. This detailed branch structure allows for a diverse range of perspectives in the Academy's activities and voting processes, ensuring that all disciplines within filmmaking are adequately represented.

Initially, the Academy was divided into just five key branches: Producers, Directors, Actors, Writers, and Technicians. Over the years, this structure has expanded significantly to reflect the growing complexity of the film industry, leading to a total of 19 branches as of 2024. Noteworthy additions include branches for Casting Directors, Animation, and Visual Effects, adapting to the ever-evolving nature of filmmaking. This evolution demonstrates the Academy's commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the specialized skills required in modern cinema.