The 2021 Oscars was the first time a front-facing ramp was an integrated element of the Academy Awards’ custom-built stage. Academy member Jim LeBrecht, who uses a wheelchair, initiated the effort and executed it alongside his Crip Camp co-director Nicole Newnham and executive producer Howard Gertler after an Oscar nomination for the Obama-produced Netflix doc seemed on the horizon.
The ramp, present for years at disability-focused ceremonies like the Media Access Awards, marked a visible shift for mainstream Hollywood’s focus in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. And it would spark similar efforts — sometimes piecemeal or sweeping, other times fumbled — at other major industry events such as the Emmys and Grammys.
Since then, the Oscars have expanded their accessibility efforts. The 2024 show, which takes place this Sunday, will include confidential accessibility requests for all nominees and guests; captioning services (live captions through in-house monitors, captions for video packages and...
The ramp, present for years at disability-focused ceremonies like the Media Access Awards, marked a visible shift for mainstream Hollywood’s focus in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. And it would spark similar efforts — sometimes piecemeal or sweeping, other times fumbled — at other major industry events such as the Emmys and Grammys.
Since then, the Oscars have expanded their accessibility efforts. The 2024 show, which takes place this Sunday, will include confidential accessibility requests for all nominees and guests; captioning services (live captions through in-house monitors, captions for video packages and...
- 3/7/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’s Wayne Brady, Mandie Taketa and San Heng will jointly deliver the keynote address at the sixth annual Bric Summit, which will be held March 15 in downtown Los Angeles and online the next day.
Earlier this morning, Freeform announced that it will air the unscripted series, previously announced as a Hulu original, on its network before it hits the streaming platform. The show follows the five-time Emmy winner and Taketa, who were married from 1999 to 2008, as they co-parent their daughter and continue to work together on their banner A Wayne and Mandie Creative and alongside Taketa’s longtime partner, with whom she shares a son. Heng serves as executive producer and showrunner. The trio were chosen as speakers, according to Bric Foundation, for their shared commitment to providing opportunities to Bipoc and LGBTQ+ people in the entertainment industry (Brady came out as pansexual last year...
Earlier this morning, Freeform announced that it will air the unscripted series, previously announced as a Hulu original, on its network before it hits the streaming platform. The show follows the five-time Emmy winner and Taketa, who were married from 1999 to 2008, as they co-parent their daughter and continue to work together on their banner A Wayne and Mandie Creative and alongside Taketa’s longtime partner, with whom she shares a son. Heng serves as executive producer and showrunner. The trio were chosen as speakers, according to Bric Foundation, for their shared commitment to providing opportunities to Bipoc and LGBTQ+ people in the entertainment industry (Brady came out as pansexual last year...
- 3/6/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The former executive VP of impact and inclusion for the Movie Academy says she was “the recipient of a steady flux of micro- and macro-aggressions” while trying to improve the org’s representation, inclusion, and equity efforts.
In a column for the Los Angeles Times Tuesday, Jeanell English talked about the overwhelming amount of fear she encountered while tasked with facilitating “a more equitable awards process and organization.” English left her post in June after less than a year on the job. She was appointed in July of 2022 to address underrepresentation across the industry.
“I sat in the crossfire between the communities I was advocating for and those I was calling on to champion change. On both sides, there was fear. Fear made it challenging for those who are underrepresented within the industry to trust that I had their best interest at heart,” she wrote. “There were people in positions of power who feared change,...
In a column for the Los Angeles Times Tuesday, Jeanell English talked about the overwhelming amount of fear she encountered while tasked with facilitating “a more equitable awards process and organization.” English left her post in June after less than a year on the job. She was appointed in July of 2022 to address underrepresentation across the industry.
“I sat in the crossfire between the communities I was advocating for and those I was calling on to champion change. On both sides, there was fear. Fear made it challenging for those who are underrepresented within the industry to trust that I had their best interest at heart,” she wrote. “There were people in positions of power who feared change,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeanell English Breaks Silence on What Led to Her Exit From Film Academy EVP of Impact and Inclusion
Jeanell English has opened up about what forced her to recently leave her role as executive vp of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following a year confronting an industry distrusting or outright criticizing calls for change.
“I sat in the crossfire between the communities I was advocating for and those I was calling on to champion change. On both sides, there was fear,” English wrote in a Los Angeles Times column published Tuesday.
English was promoted to the then-newly created position in July 2022, reporting directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer, as she helped address underrepresentation across the industry for greater inclusion and equity.
She recalled encountering resistance to collaboration and change early on, which she says ultimately undermined her personal and physical health. “I became the recipient of a steady flux of micro- and macro-aggressions. … I felt the pressure of remaining thoughtful, poised and articulate while coaching,...
“I sat in the crossfire between the communities I was advocating for and those I was calling on to champion change. On both sides, there was fear,” English wrote in a Los Angeles Times column published Tuesday.
English was promoted to the then-newly created position in July 2022, reporting directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer, as she helped address underrepresentation across the industry for greater inclusion and equity.
She recalled encountering resistance to collaboration and change early on, which she says ultimately undermined her personal and physical health. “I became the recipient of a steady flux of micro- and macro-aggressions. … I felt the pressure of remaining thoughtful, poised and articulate while coaching,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Oyer, senior vice president of member relations and awards at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences told colleagues on Friday that he is stepping down after 16 years with the Academy.
“Tom has been an integral and valuable member of this team for many years,” the Academy shares in a statement. “While we are sad to see him go, his work lives on with numerous initiatives and efforts to make the Academy the best it can be. We wish him nothing but the best going forward.”
Among his contributions, Oyer expanded preliminary voting for live action short film to the entire membership. Before that, only a small number of volunteers voted on the category. He also ushered in the the seven-day theatrical requirement for docs.
He began his career in the mailroom at the Academy in 2007 and went on to hold several positions, including awards coordinator, associate director and senior director.
“Tom has been an integral and valuable member of this team for many years,” the Academy shares in a statement. “While we are sad to see him go, his work lives on with numerous initiatives and efforts to make the Academy the best it can be. We wish him nothing but the best going forward.”
Among his contributions, Oyer expanded preliminary voting for live action short film to the entire membership. Before that, only a small number of volunteers voted on the category. He also ushered in the the seven-day theatrical requirement for docs.
He began his career in the mailroom at the Academy in 2007 and went on to hold several positions, including awards coordinator, associate director and senior director.
- 10/14/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released its annual report Thursday on Hollywood’s track record on including women and people of color in front of and behind the camera, and the data shows little improvement in 2022.
The study, led by Dr. Stacy L. Smith, examined the top 100 grossing films in each year from 2007 to 2022, covering 69,858 speaking roles. While the female share of leading roles rose to a record 44% in 2022, the share of overall speaking roles stood at just 34.6%, marking no improvement from 2021 and only 4.7 percentage points higher than 2007.
In addition, only 15% of the top films surveyed in 2022 had a speaking role female share of at least 45%, same as in 2007.
“It is clear that the entertainment industry has little desire or motivation to improve casting processes in a way that creates meaningful change for girls and women,” Smith said. “The lack of progress is particularly disappointing following decades of activism and advocacy.
The study, led by Dr. Stacy L. Smith, examined the top 100 grossing films in each year from 2007 to 2022, covering 69,858 speaking roles. While the female share of leading roles rose to a record 44% in 2022, the share of overall speaking roles stood at just 34.6%, marking no improvement from 2021 and only 4.7 percentage points higher than 2007.
In addition, only 15% of the top films surveyed in 2022 had a speaking role female share of at least 45%, same as in 2007.
“It is clear that the entertainment industry has little desire or motivation to improve casting processes in a way that creates meaningful change for girls and women,” Smith said. “The lack of progress is particularly disappointing following decades of activism and advocacy.
- 8/17/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of racial preferences in admissions at colleges and universities. Legal experts who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter in the wake of the ruling said that companies in the entertainment industry could see a surge of reverse discrimination complaints amid increased scrutiny around diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. While the high court’s ruling is legally limited to higher education and won’t directly impact most private employers, which are governed by a separate set of anti-discrimination laws that don’t allow them to consider race in most hiring decisions, it could scare corporations and organizations in Hollywood from implementing or continuing robust Dei initiatives.
“It’s a slippery slope,” says Jess Miers, legal counsel for Progress for Chamber, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief along with companies including Google, Meta and Paramount. “It starts with admissions programs, but it creates...
“It’s a slippery slope,” says Jess Miers, legal counsel for Progress for Chamber, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief along with companies including Google, Meta and Paramount. “It starts with admissions programs, but it creates...
- 7/20/2023
- by Winston Cho and Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Weeks after multiple top diversity executives departed their posts, a group of California lawmakers put pressure on the Hollywood companies that reap a combined $1.65 billion in tax credits from the state. “One executive removal could be a fluke. But four more?” said Sen. Lola Smallwood at a July 13 press conference from the California Legislative Black Caucus. “This is a troubling pattern.”
It’s a sentiment many in the Dei sphere share.
Amid ongoing merger-induced reorganizations and layoffs, the long tail of Covid economy, two union strikes and general cost-cutting, The Hollywood Reporter talked to a dozen individuals working in and adjacent to the Dei space who express worry that the recent high-level departures could signal a larger unraveling of endeavors Hollywood companies trumpeted in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Of the Hollywood companies that once touted their diversity initiatives but now find themselves with lean departments or without leaders,...
It’s a sentiment many in the Dei sphere share.
Amid ongoing merger-induced reorganizations and layoffs, the long tail of Covid economy, two union strikes and general cost-cutting, The Hollywood Reporter talked to a dozen individuals working in and adjacent to the Dei space who express worry that the recent high-level departures could signal a larger unraveling of endeavors Hollywood companies trumpeted in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Of the Hollywood companies that once touted their diversity initiatives but now find themselves with lean departments or without leaders,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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After the sudden exits of top diversity and inclusion executives at Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Netflix and the Motion Picture Academy in the past month — all of them Black women — alarm bells have been raised for many who care about Hollywood’s commitment to gender and racial equity.
While the circumstances of each executive may differ, more than a half dozen interviews by TheWrap across the Dei community suggest that Hollywood’s institutions have thus far failed to make inclusion part of the industry’s DNA, that Dei executives feel isolated and exhausted, saying they were “set up to fail” or citing a lack of sufficient resources. Others said that downgrading Dei executives from reporting to CEOs sent a message of diminished commitment.
“We need to be at a point where we are operationalizing inclusion,...
After the sudden exits of top diversity and inclusion executives at Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Netflix and the Motion Picture Academy in the past month — all of them Black women — alarm bells have been raised for many who care about Hollywood’s commitment to gender and racial equity.
While the circumstances of each executive may differ, more than a half dozen interviews by TheWrap across the Dei community suggest that Hollywood’s institutions have thus far failed to make inclusion part of the industry’s DNA, that Dei executives feel isolated and exhausted, saying they were “set up to fail” or citing a lack of sufficient resources. Others said that downgrading Dei executives from reporting to CEOs sent a message of diminished commitment.
“We need to be at a point where we are operationalizing inclusion,...
- 7/17/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris and Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Following the departure of EVP Shawn Finnie, the fourth Black executive to exit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a year, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang sent a letter to members on Friday affirming their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying there is “still much more work to do.”
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter began. “In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within our organization and the film industry at large.
- 7/15/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has sent a letter to members on Friday, affirming their commitment to diversity following the departure of several Black executives from the organization.
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
The letter, obtained by IndieWire, is attributed to the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang. Addressing a recent spike in Black Hollywood executives leaving their positions, the letter states the Academy’s “commitment” to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question. In addition, a number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates,” the letter reads. “Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent a letter to its members on Friday evening, addressing the recent departure of multiple Black executives from its organization over the past few weeks.
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
Signed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang, the statement, obtained by Variety, includes an affirmation of the organization’s commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs, as well as efforts to “expanding” their promotion.
“We have heard from some of you who have asked about our Academy Deai programs as these efforts across our film community and other industries have been called into question,” the letter begins. “A number of Black executives in Hollywood have exited their roles, including within the Academy, and we recognize the concern this creates. Given all of this, we want to reiterate, in the strongest possible terms, the Academy’s commitment to not only continuing, but expanding our efforts...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
After two years in the role and 9 total with the organization, Shawn Finnie has resigned as executive vice president, Member Relations and Awards for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, TheWrap has confirmed.
He was promoted into the role in June, 2021; his last day with the organization was July 13. Prior to serving in the position, Finnie was a longstanding and well-respected member of the organization, having served in a variety of roles and frequently promoted over his tenure. During his time with Member Relations and Awards, Finnie was also involved in the Academy’s Dei efforts and according to Variety, who first reported his resignation, he was specifically praised for his work by Rosie Perez.
Finnie’s exit comes just over 2 weeks after that of the film academy’s executive vice president of impact and inclusion, Jeanell English, who quit after just one year in the job. Finnie...
He was promoted into the role in June, 2021; his last day with the organization was July 13. Prior to serving in the position, Finnie was a longstanding and well-respected member of the organization, having served in a variety of roles and frequently promoted over his tenure. During his time with Member Relations and Awards, Finnie was also involved in the Academy’s Dei efforts and according to Variety, who first reported his resignation, he was specifically praised for his work by Rosie Perez.
Finnie’s exit comes just over 2 weeks after that of the film academy’s executive vice president of impact and inclusion, Jeanell English, who quit after just one year in the job. Finnie...
- 7/15/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Shawn Finnie, executive VP of member relations, global outreach and awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is leaving the organization after nearly a decade, Variety has learned exclusively. His final day was Thursday, July 13.
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
Finnie was a beloved figure within the Academy, rising through the ranks and receiving multiple promotions. His departure comes after his most recent promotion to his role in June 2021 by former COO Christine Simmons. He led engagement and outreach initiatives for the organization’s global membership of more than 10,000 artists, filmmakers and executives. In addition, he managed a team of more than 20 team members.
The departure comes after multiple Black executives have left leadership posts at several Hollywood studios and organizations. His former colleague Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion, also left the organization last month. Finnie worked on several Dei initiatives for the Academy and was popular among members,...
- 7/15/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
In a press conference Thursday morning, the California Legislative Black Caucus demanded answers from Hollywood studios about the exodus of several Black female Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Dei) executives, which the group described as “a troubling pattern.”
Watch video of the press conference here.
They were referring to a wave of sudden exits of executives that kicked off June 20 when Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, left, according to Disney to pursue “other endeavors.”
Then on June 28 Netflix announced that Vernā Myers, head of inclusion strategy, will leave the role in September after five years in the job in order to focus attention on her consulting company, The Vernā Myers Company.
The next day, Warner Bros. Discovery laid off SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion Karen Horne, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s EVP of Impact and Inclusion Jeanell English stepped down.
Watch video of the press conference here.
They were referring to a wave of sudden exits of executives that kicked off June 20 when Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, left, according to Disney to pursue “other endeavors.”
Then on June 28 Netflix announced that Vernā Myers, head of inclusion strategy, will leave the role in September after five years in the job in order to focus attention on her consulting company, The Vernā Myers Company.
The next day, Warner Bros. Discovery laid off SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion Karen Horne, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s EVP of Impact and Inclusion Jeanell English stepped down.
- 7/14/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
A group of state legislators representing the California Legislative Black Caucus are calling on film studios to meet with them regarding the sudden removal of Black female executives over the past few weeks.
A mass exodus of Black women from senior leadership posts — Vernā Myers (Netflix), Latondra Newton (Disney), Jeanell English (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) and Karen Horne and Terra Potts (Warner Bros. Discovery) — has raised questions about the depth of the film and television industry’s commitment to diversifying the top ranks of the entertainment industry.
The Clbc held a press conference on Thursday, citing the executives’ resignations and removals after the State Legislature approved the $1.6 billion Film Tax Credit initiative to provide tax incentives for the film studios.
“One executive removal could be a fluke,” said Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas during the press conference. “But four more? And we’re hearing more are to come. This is a troubling pattern.
A mass exodus of Black women from senior leadership posts — Vernā Myers (Netflix), Latondra Newton (Disney), Jeanell English (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) and Karen Horne and Terra Potts (Warner Bros. Discovery) — has raised questions about the depth of the film and television industry’s commitment to diversifying the top ranks of the entertainment industry.
The Clbc held a press conference on Thursday, citing the executives’ resignations and removals after the State Legislature approved the $1.6 billion Film Tax Credit initiative to provide tax incentives for the film studios.
“One executive removal could be a fluke,” said Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas during the press conference. “But four more? And we’re hearing more are to come. This is a troubling pattern.
- 7/14/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
If there’s one person who’s not losing sleep over what appears to be a mass exodus of diversity, equity and inclusion executives at Hollywood studios, it’s Megyn Kelly.
Following the news, as reported by The Daily Mail, that Disney has lost $900 million on a string of box office disappointments, and considering that recent weeks have seen Dei execs from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix and the Academy be laid off or step down from their posts, Kelly concluded in Thursday’s episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show” that the Mouse House’s turn toward “wokeness” is to blame.
“Bit by bit, all these media companies and big tech companies are eliminating their heads of diversity because it’s just a wasted position where somebody just glorifies their wokeness and tries to lecture, so it’s failing,” Kelly said, in conversation with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Following the news, as reported by The Daily Mail, that Disney has lost $900 million on a string of box office disappointments, and considering that recent weeks have seen Dei execs from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix and the Academy be laid off or step down from their posts, Kelly concluded in Thursday’s episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show” that the Mouse House’s turn toward “wokeness” is to blame.
“Bit by bit, all these media companies and big tech companies are eliminating their heads of diversity because it’s just a wasted position where somebody just glorifies their wokeness and tries to lecture, so it’s failing,” Kelly said, in conversation with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
- 7/7/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
A mass exodus of Black women from senior leadership posts across Hollywood during the last few weeks is raising questions about the depth of the film and television industry’s commitment to diversifying the top ranks of the entertainment industry. The high-profile departures have sparked outrage on social media, with mounting concerns that major studios are only performing lip service after pledging to elevate more people of color to positions of influence.
In the last month, six Black women executives in prominent leadership roles have abruptly left their positions in the studio system. Many oversaw Dei departments, putting them on the frontlines of larger effort to change corporate cultures and hiring practices. The exits include Karen Horne, who led Dei efforts at Warner Bros. Discovery and Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The other prominent executives are Netflix’s Vernā Myers,...
In the last month, six Black women executives in prominent leadership roles have abruptly left their positions in the studio system. Many oversaw Dei departments, putting them on the frontlines of larger effort to change corporate cultures and hiring practices. The exits include Karen Horne, who led Dei efforts at Warner Bros. Discovery and Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The other prominent executives are Netflix’s Vernā Myers,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC’s head of creative diversity, Joanna Abeyie, is stepping down after less than a year and a half in the role, Variety can reveal.
Abeyie is leaving the broadcaster to return to her consultancy business, Blue Moon, which specializes in diversity and inclusion, and executive recruitment. Variety understands that she may consult for the BBC in the future.
Sources indicate that Abeyie’s departure was first announced by BBC director of content Charlotte Moore on June 22. Her last day in the role is Monday (July 3). When her exit was revealed to her team by the BBC’s group director of diversity and inclusion Chinny Okolidoh, it’s believed a number of staff protested why Abeyie, a well-liked exec with a strong rapport with the group, had been allowed to leave the public broadcaster. However, Variety understands that her departure reflects the exec’s choice to return to her business,...
Abeyie is leaving the broadcaster to return to her consultancy business, Blue Moon, which specializes in diversity and inclusion, and executive recruitment. Variety understands that she may consult for the BBC in the future.
Sources indicate that Abeyie’s departure was first announced by BBC director of content Charlotte Moore on June 22. Her last day in the role is Monday (July 3). When her exit was revealed to her team by the BBC’s group director of diversity and inclusion Chinny Okolidoh, it’s believed a number of staff protested why Abeyie, a well-liked exec with a strong rapport with the group, had been allowed to leave the public broadcaster. However, Variety understands that her departure reflects the exec’s choice to return to her business,...
- 7/3/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Three studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laid off or lost top diversity execs in the past 10 days, which gives the impression that the industry is placing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Dei) on the back-burner.
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
- 7/1/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Jeanell English has resigned from her role as executive vp impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences a year after beginning in that position.
English was promoted to the then-newly created position in July 2022, reporting directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer. She led the organization’s initiatives to address underrepresentation across the industry and oversaw its talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. Prior to being executive vp, English served as vp impact and operations for eight months and as the head of the office of representation, inclusion and equity for a year.
English announced that she had resigned from her role during a panel about destigmatizing mental health for emerging and practicing filmmakers on Thursday night.
“In my career — and I’ve had a lot of jobs in my career — a foundational element of my decision-making process and how I manage my career has...
English was promoted to the then-newly created position in July 2022, reporting directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer. She led the organization’s initiatives to address underrepresentation across the industry and oversaw its talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. Prior to being executive vp, English served as vp impact and operations for eight months and as the head of the office of representation, inclusion and equity for a year.
English announced that she had resigned from her role during a panel about destigmatizing mental health for emerging and practicing filmmakers on Thursday night.
“In my career — and I’ve had a lot of jobs in my career — a foundational element of my decision-making process and how I manage my career has...
- 6/30/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeanell English is leaving the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences less than a year after being named to the newly post of EVP Impact & Inclusion. She had been with the group since joining as VP Impact & Operations in 2020.
Word of English’s exit comes hours after news broke that Warner Bros. Discovery North America Dei executive Karen Horne is leaving her post amid that company’s wide-ranging layoffs.
English was upped to EVP in July 2022. She was charged with leading the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists, per AMPAS.
English has worked for more than a decade in the areas of global diversity and inclusion strategy, employee engagement, corporate social responsibility, cross-cultural training and talent management. Before coming to AMPAS, she was a director at Discovery Inc. (now Warner Bros. Discovery...
Word of English’s exit comes hours after news broke that Warner Bros. Discovery North America Dei executive Karen Horne is leaving her post amid that company’s wide-ranging layoffs.
English was upped to EVP in July 2022. She was charged with leading the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists, per AMPAS.
English has worked for more than a decade in the areas of global diversity and inclusion strategy, employee engagement, corporate social responsibility, cross-cultural training and talent management. Before coming to AMPAS, she was a director at Discovery Inc. (now Warner Bros. Discovery...
- 6/30/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeanell English is exiting her role at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, TheWrap has confirmed. She was serving as executive vice president of impact and inclusion, a role created by Academy CEO Bill Kramer in July 2022. In that capacity, she led the Academy’s initiatives to address underrepresentation as well as talent development programs like Academy Gold.
Kendra Carter has been promoted to SVP Impact and Global Talent Development. However, this comes amid a week where several entertainment companies have dismissed their respective top-ranking inclusion executives. Respectively, Vernā Myers has left Netflix, Latondra Newton has departed the Walt Disney Company and Karen Horne has been ousted at Warner Bros. Discovery.
English has been a major figure over the last year in initiatives and changes across the organization, including developing the infrastructure for the Academy’s inclusion standards. She designed and implemented the Academy’s first mid-career talent program,...
Kendra Carter has been promoted to SVP Impact and Global Talent Development. However, this comes amid a week where several entertainment companies have dismissed their respective top-ranking inclusion executives. Respectively, Vernā Myers has left Netflix, Latondra Newton has departed the Walt Disney Company and Karen Horne has been ousted at Warner Bros. Discovery.
English has been a major figure over the last year in initiatives and changes across the organization, including developing the infrastructure for the Academy’s inclusion standards. She designed and implemented the Academy’s first mid-career talent program,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Jeanell English, executive vice president of impact and inclusion, is exiting her role at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
English was promoted to the newly created role in July 2022 by Academy CEO Bill Kramer. In her role, she led the Academy’s initiatives to address underrepresentation across the industry and the talent development programs such as Academy Gold.
Over the past year, she’s been a key figure in major initiatives and changes across the organization including developing the infrastructure for the Academy’s inclusion standards and enabling a path for community, advocacy, education and empowerment amongst its members and staff. She also designed and implemented the Academy’s first mid-career talent development program, the Academy Film Accelerator, which advocates for the careers of filmmakers from underrepresented communities.
Formerly an executive with Discovery, English joined the Academy staff in 2020. Before joining the Academy, English worked for over...
English was promoted to the newly created role in July 2022 by Academy CEO Bill Kramer. In her role, she led the Academy’s initiatives to address underrepresentation across the industry and the talent development programs such as Academy Gold.
Over the past year, she’s been a key figure in major initiatives and changes across the organization including developing the infrastructure for the Academy’s inclusion standards and enabling a path for community, advocacy, education and empowerment amongst its members and staff. She also designed and implemented the Academy’s first mid-career talent development program, the Academy Film Accelerator, which advocates for the careers of filmmakers from underrepresented communities.
Formerly an executive with Discovery, English joined the Academy staff in 2020. Before joining the Academy, English worked for over...
- 6/30/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As unfortunate as it is that the reason the Academy’s inclusion standards are back in the news (because of an answer Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss recently gave in an interview that ultimately led into his defense of blackface), it is worth it to take a closer look at them before they officially go into effect this coming film awards season.
While one can find a more detailed description of them on the Academy website, the organization has listed Standards A through D with the requirement that a film meet at least two in order to qualify for Best Picture (the only category the standards are applied to).
Standard A focuses on on-screen representation, themes, and narratives, meaning the film could be centered on an underrepresented group (women included), or have some level of meaningful diversity among its acting ensemble (even a significant supporting role for an actor of color...
While one can find a more detailed description of them on the Academy website, the organization has listed Standards A through D with the requirement that a film meet at least two in order to qualify for Best Picture (the only category the standards are applied to).
Standard A focuses on on-screen representation, themes, and narratives, meaning the film could be centered on an underrepresented group (women included), or have some level of meaningful diversity among its acting ensemble (even a significant supporting role for an actor of color...
- 5/10/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Last fall, an independent filmmaker was filling out an online form to put forward his movie for Oscar consideration when some questions on the Academy’s submissions site caught him off guard. The site asked about his cast and crewmembers’ race, gender and sexual orientations, and had some questions about their health — whether they had autism, for instance, or dealt with chronic pain or mental illness.
“I don’t know, maybe someone on my crew was neurodivergent,” this filmmaker says. “It’s not my place to ask. Did they do their job? Great. And how are we going to know who’s gay when it’s illegal to ask people?”
The questions are part of the Academy’s new representation and inclusion standards for Oscar eligibility (Raise), which the organization started rolling out in 2021 in preparation for making certain benchmarks mandatory by next year’s awards season. The goal is...
“I don’t know, maybe someone on my crew was neurodivergent,” this filmmaker says. “It’s not my place to ask. Did they do their job? Great. And how are we going to know who’s gay when it’s illegal to ask people?”
The questions are part of the Academy’s new representation and inclusion standards for Oscar eligibility (Raise), which the organization started rolling out in 2021 in preparation for making certain benchmarks mandatory by next year’s awards season. The goal is...
- 3/14/2023
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 95th annual Oscars carpet will feature American Sign Language interpreters for the first time, one among several accessibility additions the Academy is making to both the 2023 ceremony and live telecast this Sunday.
Interpretation on this year’s carpet, which will also see audio description and continued ramp access for all attendees as part of the preshow event’s outside custom design, was inspired in part by work at the last two Grammys as well as the voices of the Academy’s newly launched disability affinity group. Jeanell English, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ executive vp impact and inclusion, tells The Hollywood Reporter that this is one of the organization’s most inclusive and diverse resource groups.
“I actually had the privilege of joining their team on the carpet at the Grammys this year. I got to see how incredibly powerful it was to have members of...
Interpretation on this year’s carpet, which will also see audio description and continued ramp access for all attendees as part of the preshow event’s outside custom design, was inspired in part by work at the last two Grammys as well as the voices of the Academy’s newly launched disability affinity group. Jeanell English, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ executive vp impact and inclusion, tells The Hollywood Reporter that this is one of the organization’s most inclusive and diverse resource groups.
“I actually had the privilege of joining their team on the carpet at the Grammys this year. I got to see how incredibly powerful it was to have members of...
- 3/8/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For the past two awards cycles, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has implemented a “soft rollout” of its representation and inclusion standards, collecting demographic information about the participants in front of and behind the camera for all Oscar best picture submissions before next season, when films must meet a minimum of diversity benchmarks — for example, offering paid internships for people from underrepresented groups — to be eligible to compete.
The inclusion standards, first announced in September 2020, were met with perhaps expected skepticism (or outright criticism) from those chafing at the idea of a personnel mandate on their commerce and creativity, but the Academy’s Jeanell English, who joined the organization in 2020 prior to being promoted to executive vice president of impact and inclusion last summer, says that there is more support for the work than some may think. “We’ve had incredible conversations with studios and filmmakers from...
The inclusion standards, first announced in September 2020, were met with perhaps expected skepticism (or outright criticism) from those chafing at the idea of a personnel mandate on their commerce and creativity, but the Academy’s Jeanell English, who joined the organization in 2020 prior to being promoted to executive vice president of impact and inclusion last summer, says that there is more support for the work than some may think. “We’ve had incredible conversations with studios and filmmakers from...
- 2/14/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced a partnership with Red Carpet Green Dress Global, an organization that promotes sustainability within the entertainment and design worlds, to expand its ongoing environmental efforts.
The partnership includes adopting the tenets of Rcgd Global’s “Sustainable Style Guide,” which provides guidance on sustainable red carpet fashion. A bespoke edition of the guide will be distributed in advance to attendees of Academy events this Oscar season and can be viewed here.
The guide’s suggestions include exploring vintage options, opting for textiles derived from natural sources, supporting independent craftspeople and brands owned by people of color, and going cruelty-free with plant and food-based leather alternatives for shoes, clutches or wallets.
“While the Academy remains consistent in our commitment to operating as a socially responsible organization with sustainability at our core, we acknowledge that...
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced a partnership with Red Carpet Green Dress Global, an organization that promotes sustainability within the entertainment and design worlds, to expand its ongoing environmental efforts.
The partnership includes adopting the tenets of Rcgd Global’s “Sustainable Style Guide,” which provides guidance on sustainable red carpet fashion. A bespoke edition of the guide will be distributed in advance to attendees of Academy events this Oscar season and can be viewed here.
The guide’s suggestions include exploring vintage options, opting for textiles derived from natural sources, supporting independent craftspeople and brands owned by people of color, and going cruelty-free with plant and food-based leather alternatives for shoes, clutches or wallets.
“While the Academy remains consistent in our commitment to operating as a socially responsible organization with sustainability at our core, we acknowledge that...
- 11/17/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Maybe the culture of Hollywood is changing.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a great uncovering of bad behavior such as sexual harassment and abusive conduct. Now, as a new generation — more diverse, more female and more multicultural — assume positions of leadership, the question becomes: Will it be possible to enact positive change? Here, three new leaders from this year’s class weigh in.
Jeanell English, exec VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, believes that supporting the new guard of entertainment industry leaders is not only key in terms of promoting careers, but also in creating compassion, closeness and connection within communities.
“I have a feeling that so many of us that are being recognized as new leaders have been leaders in some capacity our whole lives,” says English. “That leadership has taken us to different communities, to broaden our sense of community,...
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a great uncovering of bad behavior such as sexual harassment and abusive conduct. Now, as a new generation — more diverse, more female and more multicultural — assume positions of leadership, the question becomes: Will it be possible to enact positive change? Here, three new leaders from this year’s class weigh in.
Jeanell English, exec VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, believes that supporting the new guard of entertainment industry leaders is not only key in terms of promoting careers, but also in creating compassion, closeness and connection within communities.
“I have a feeling that so many of us that are being recognized as new leaders have been leaders in some capacity our whole lives,” says English. “That leadership has taken us to different communities, to broaden our sense of community,...
- 11/9/2022
- by Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
An ugly stain of bigotry in Oscars history eventually led to a celebration of Indigenous culture, hosted at the symbolic heart of the motion picture industry, nearly half a century later.
On Saturday, the Academy welcomed Sacheen Littlefeather to its museum for an evening curated in her honor, an event that was both a culmination and continuation of its efforts to apologize to and reconcile with the actress and activist who was blacklisted from the industry for speaking up in protest of the treatment of Native Americans on- and offscreen.
“In one of our many conversations with Sacheen in preparation for this event, we asked, ‘What does reconciliation look like to you?’ And that single, powerful question has led us to this evening,” said Academy Museum director and president Jacqueline Stewart, who emceed the program alongside Earl Neconie (Kiowa/Okla.), a longtime friend of Littlefeather’s.
An ugly stain of bigotry in Oscars history eventually led to a celebration of Indigenous culture, hosted at the symbolic heart of the motion picture industry, nearly half a century later.
On Saturday, the Academy welcomed Sacheen Littlefeather to its museum for an evening curated in her honor, an event that was both a culmination and continuation of its efforts to apologize to and reconcile with the actress and activist who was blacklisted from the industry for speaking up in protest of the treatment of Native Americans on- and offscreen.
“In one of our many conversations with Sacheen in preparation for this event, we asked, ‘What does reconciliation look like to you?’ And that single, powerful question has led us to this evening,” said Academy Museum director and president Jacqueline Stewart, who emceed the program alongside Earl Neconie (Kiowa/Okla.), a longtime friend of Littlefeather’s.
- 9/19/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
This is the first in an ongoing series on the status of progress with inclusion in Hollywood.
***
Latasha Gillespie remembers having a doctor’s appointment on May 30, 2020. It was five days after George Floyd was suffocated by a police officer, his excruciating nine-minute, 29-second death — captured on video and witnessed by millions around the world — igniting an unprecedented social response of outrage and horror. Gillespie, like many other heads of inclusion in Hollywood and at companies across the country, had been working nonstop since that moment, meeting with leadership to provide guidance and messaging and with employees to listen and hold space.
“I was in heavy mode doing this,” says the Amazon Studios head of global diversity, equity and inclusion of her state of mind upon showing up at the doctor’s office. The last section of her new patient forms, on mental health,...
This is the first in an ongoing series on the status of progress with inclusion in Hollywood.
***
Latasha Gillespie remembers having a doctor’s appointment on May 30, 2020. It was five days after George Floyd was suffocated by a police officer, his excruciating nine-minute, 29-second death — captured on video and witnessed by millions around the world — igniting an unprecedented social response of outrage and horror. Gillespie, like many other heads of inclusion in Hollywood and at companies across the country, had been working nonstop since that moment, meeting with leadership to provide guidance and messaging and with employees to listen and hold space.
“I was in heavy mode doing this,” says the Amazon Studios head of global diversity, equity and inclusion of her state of mind upon showing up at the doctor’s office. The last section of her new patient forms, on mental health,...
- 7/18/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In an attempt to further cement its dedication to diverstity across all activities, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has promoted Jeanell English to EVP Impact and Inclusion, Academy CEO Bill Kramer announced today. English will report directly to Kramer.
In this newly created executive job English will lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists. Adding to her portfolio, English will also be overseeing the various Academy’s talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. These programs include the Gold Rising internship and mentorship program, Gold Fellowship for Women, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Gold Alumni Program.
English who joined the Academy staff as VP Impact and Operations in 2020 will still be overseeing the Academy’s sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts as she has previously done.
In this newly created executive job English will lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists. Adding to her portfolio, English will also be overseeing the various Academy’s talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. These programs include the Gold Rising internship and mentorship program, Gold Fellowship for Women, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Gold Alumni Program.
English who joined the Academy staff as VP Impact and Operations in 2020 will still be overseeing the Academy’s sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts as she has previously done.
- 7/11/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
As the Academy Confronts Diversity Challenges, CEO Bill Kramer Adds New Impact and Inclusion Officer
Bill Kramer, the new CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, continues to plow forward. One of the challenges facing the Academy is how it executes an ambitious slate of sustainability, representation, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. To spearhead these programs, Kramer has promoted Jeanell English to Executive Vice President, Impact and Inclusion, reporting directly to him.
English will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the Academy’s representation and inclusion standards, and in this new position, will “lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists,” the Academy announced.
Kramer is tasked with implementing several initiatives launched by CEO Dawn Hudson, who has left the Academy after 11 years. She moved decisively to implement radical change in the largely white male Academy member ranks, bringing in a more diverse and...
English will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the Academy’s representation and inclusion standards, and in this new position, will “lead the Academy’s initiatives designed to address underrepresentation across the industry and to discover, empower, and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists,” the Academy announced.
Kramer is tasked with implementing several initiatives launched by CEO Dawn Hudson, who has left the Academy after 11 years. She moved decisively to implement radical change in the largely white male Academy member ranks, bringing in a more diverse and...
- 7/11/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
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