The Academy recently elected its first African American, and third female president.
The board of governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences held a meeting on Tuesday night, which had a monumental outcome. Cheryl Boone Isaacs – a long-time Hollywood marketing executive – was elected president of the prestigious organization, becoming the first African-American and only the third woman to hold the title.
And yes…we’re referring to that Academy. The folks who choose who gets an Oscar.
Boone Isaacs has previously held titles at Paramount Pictures and New Line Cinema during her tenure in Hollywood.
The humbled newly-elected president recently stated,
“When I first joined the board years ago, it would have never entered my mind. But this year, the time’s right and I’m deeply honored”
The last two ladies to hold the post were actress Bette Davis – who served two months in 1941 – and Fay Kanin, a renowned screenwriter, served from 1979-83.
Although this is a new milestone for women in arts & entertainment, the disparity between male and female Oscar recipients and nominees is still obvious.
Since the awards began in 1929, there have been over 400 Best Director nominations. Four have gone to women. Only one woman – Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker – has won the Oscar for that category.
There’s much progress to be made, but this historic election is certainly a step in the right direction for females in the film industry.
