Oct. 21, 2024

Internationalising the US Awards body

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ initiative has built the platform for emerging talent to showcase their work within the industry, and prior winners include directors Spike Lee, Pete Docter, Patricia Cardoso, Patricia Riggen and Robert Zemeckis.

In a bold move to internationalize the US awards body, Academy CEO Bill Kramer has been instrumental in expanding the Academy's global presence.

This year marks a significant milestone with the Student Academy Awards ceremony being held outside Los Angeles for the first time in its 51-year history, taking place at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. The Academy's initiative to showcase emerging talent globally has seen previous winners like Spike Lee and Robert Zemeckis.

Kramer's vision is to make the Academy a more global organization, reflecting the international nature of the film industry and its audience. The Academy has increased its international membership, with 56% of this year's new members coming from outside the United States, a notable increase from the previous year. 

The Academy100 fundraising drive, aiming to raise $500 million by 2028, is another step towards securing the Academy's future as a global home for cinema. Kramer's efforts underscore the importance of embracing international cinema and ensuring the Academy remains at the forefront of the global film community.

Back to Listing

---