Janet Yang Re-Elected President of Film Academy

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Janet Yang Re-Elected President of Film Academy

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but draw parallels between the dynamic world of gaming and the film industry, especially when it comes to the re-election of Janet Yang as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Just like how a game’s protagonist often returns for a sequel after proving their worth in the previous adventure, Yang has shown that her leadership has brought about an era of tranquility and success for the Academy.

The esteemed film producer, Janet Yang, who assumed the role of president at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in August 2022, has been reappointed to this position by the Academy’s board of governors, according to an announcement made on Thursday.

In addition, the following individuals were appointed to vice presidency roles: Lesley Barber (leader of the Membership Committee), DeVon Franklin (lead of the Equity and Inclusion Committee), Donna Gigliotti (head of the Finance Committee, who will also act as treasurer), Lynette Howell Taylor (chairperson of the Awards Committee), and Howard A. Rodman (leader of the Governance Committee, who will additionally serve as secretary).

Franklin, Howell Taylor, and Rodman have been re-elected to their positions; Gigliotti had held an officer role in the past but not during the previous term; and this will mark Barber’s first term as an officer.

Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, expressed his excitement in a statement about Janet coming back for another term as Academy president. This marks her third time leading the organization. “I am ecstatic to see what we can accomplish together over the next year,” he said. Additionally, he warmly welcomed this year’s outstanding group of board officers, expressing anticipation for their collaboration and joint efforts in upholding the Academy’s mission, catering to our global membership, recognizing the achievements of the international filmmaking community, maintaining the Academy’s financial stability, and expanding our influence within the industry.

During the time I’ve been gaming with this organization, which coincides with Kramer stepping into the CEO role (he joined in June 2022), it’s been an unusually calm and positive phase for us. Compared to the tumultuous years prior, when we were embroiled in one controversy after another, from Envelopegate to #OscarsSoWhite to the infamous Will Smith incident, things have definitely taken a turn for the better.

As a longtime member of the Academy, I have witnessed many changes over the years, but I must say that the current state of our organization is truly remarkable. This year’s member survey results left me feeling incredibly proud and optimistic about the future. With an overwhelming 87 percent of members expressing a positive sentiment towards the Academy, it’s clear that we are on the right track.

After assuming the position of the Academy’s 36th president, Yang, a Queens-born woman with Chinese immigrant parents, had already made history by being the fourth female president and second person of color in the role (following Cheryl Boone Isaacs). Prior to this, she had forged her way into showbiz by bridging connections between the Chinese and Hollywood film industries, enabling productions such as “Empire of the Sun” to come to fruition. Later, she established herself as a producer with credits like “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” and “Over the Moon,” also earning an Emmy for the TV film “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.”

As a gaming enthusiast since 2002, I’ve been part of the production community. Since 2019, I’ve been honored to serve on the Academy’s board as a non-elected member, appointed as a governor-at-large. The addition of three such positions on our board followed the #OscarsSoWhite movement, created to promote diversity and inclusion. Unlike other governors, these roles are not elected by peers but are instead nominated by the current president and approved by the board. I am proud to be the first governor-at-large to rise to the presidency.

Yang, who is currently 68 years old, is beginning her third term as president, which lasts one year each time and allows a maximum of four consecutive years in any single position. This is also her sixth year serving as a governor-at-large. Due to the rule that board members cannot serve more than two three-year terms, either consecutively or not, she will be unable to continue as president or on the board at all next year and the year after. After taking a mandatory two-year break following her sixth year of service, she would be eligible to return to the board for up to two additional three-year terms. However, after reaching this limit, she would have served a total of 12 years on the board, which is the maximum allowed in a lifetime.

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2024-08-02 01:55