Just as summer is nearing its end, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences readies for some of its biggest events of awards season, including the Academy Museum Gala, the Governors Awards, and eventually the 98th Oscars in March 2026, the organization’s Board of Governors has elected Oscar-nominated producer Lynette Howell Taylor as its new president.
“Lynette has been a vital part of the Academy Board of Governors for many years, most recently revitalizing 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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer via statement.
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Howell Taylor, producer of such films as “A Star is Born,” “Blue Valentine,” “Half Nelson,” and this year’s “The Accountant 2” and “Roofman” is beginning her first term as president during her second term as a governor representing the Producers Branch. She previously served for three years as vice president and chair of the Awards Committee, and even produced the 92nd Oscars telecast with Stephanie Allain in 2020, for which she was nominated for an Emmy.
Elected to 2025-2026 officer positions alongside Howell Taylor by the Board are:
Lesley Barber (Music Branch), Vice President (chair, Membership Committee)
Jennifer Fox (Producers Branch), Vice President (chair, Awards Committee)
Simon Kilmurry (Documentary Branch), Vice President/Treasurer (chair, Finance Committee)
Lou Diamond Phillips (Actors Branch), Vice President (chair, Equity and Inclusion Committee)
Howard A. Rodman (Writers Branch), Vice President/Secretary (chair, Governance Committee)
Barber and Rodman were re-elected as officers. It will be the first officer stint for Fox, Kilmurry and Phillips.
Howell Taylor succeeds producer Janet Yang, who was elected as president three years ago, within the same year Kramer was named Academy CEO. 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. Officers serve one-year terms, with a maximum of four consecutive years in any one office.
The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission. The Academy website has the complete list of the recently elected 2025-2026 Board of Governors.
