The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a cornerstone of the film world, recently announced significant changes to its top leadership, electing producer Lynette Howell Taylor as its new president. This pivotal decision, made by the organization’s Board of Governors, marks a new chapter for the prestigious Motion Picture Academy as it charts its course for the coming years.

This will be Lynette Howell Taylor’s inaugural term as president, a role that aligns seamlessly with her concurrent second term as a governor representing the Academy’s producers branch. Her extensive experience includes a three-year tenure as vice president and chair of the esteemed awards committee, demonstrating her deep commitment and understanding of the Academy’s core operations and strategic direction.

In addition to Howell Taylor’s election, the Board of Governors also appointed five other officers to serve during the 2025-26 term. Among them is composer Lesley Barber, who assumes the role of vice president and chair of the vital membership committee. Other key appointments include vice presidents overseeing the awards, finance, equity and inclusion, and governance committees, ensuring comprehensive oversight across all critical areas of the Academy’s functions.

A distinguished member of the Academy since 2014, Howell Taylor brings a wealth of production expertise, having produced over 25 films in the past two decades. Her notable achievements include an Emmy nomination for co-producing the 2020 Oscars ceremony, showcasing her capability in managing high-profile, complex productions within the Hollywood Industry.

The AMPAS Election process adheres to a structured governance model regarding board member terms. Academy board members are eligible to serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. Following this, a mandatory two-year hiatus is observed before eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, with a stringent lifetime maximum of 12 years to ensure rotation and fresh perspectives in Academy Leadership.

Officer positions, including that of president, are distinct from board member terms and operate on one-year terms. An officer may serve for a maximum of four consecutive years in any single office. This tiered structure ensures both continuity in board oversight and a dynamic rotation of leadership within specific officer roles, promoting active engagement and diverse contributions.

These strategic appointments underscore the Academy’s ongoing commitment to robust governance and forward-thinking initiatives. The fresh leadership under Lynette Howell Taylor and Lesley Barber is poised to guide the institution through evolving landscapes, shaping the future of film recognition and the broader Hollywood Industry for years to come.