Oscar voters are demonstrating that Academy membership involves much more than simply casting a vote. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced newly appointed presidents and vice presidents for its committees and affinity groups for 2026-2027, including appointments to the new Academy Marquee Theatre Committee.
Four-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker will lead the newly formed Academy Marquee Theatre Committee alongside co-president Samantha Quan, who is also an Oscar winner and his wife. This is a new initiative in which the Academy selects theatres to include on its list of cinematic excellence venues around the world.
The Academy's committees and affinity groups bring together members to promote key initiatives, inform academic policies and programmes and serve the interests of its membership. All presidents and vice presidents serve one-year terms. "As a member-driven organisation, we are deeply grateful to all our presidents and vice presidents for their leadership and commitment to the work of the Academy," said Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and chief executive officer Bill Kramer. "Their dedication helps advance our mission while ensuring the Academy is well positioned for the future".
The Academy Marquee Theatre Committee reviews applications and recommends theatres for inclusion on the Academy Marquee Theatre List. Among other committees announced, the International Feature Film Executive Committee oversees award rules, submission requirements and eligibility for the Oscar's International Feature Film category. The Qualifying Festival Selection Committee for Short Films determines festival eligibility criteria and reviews global applications to select which festivals and awards should be considered qualifying for the Oscars in the animated, documentary and live action short film categories.
Branch and Category Executive Committees oversee matters related to branches and categories, including award rules, eligibility and review of candidates being considered for Academy membership. The International Participation Committee helps guide the Academy's global membership initiatives, promoting connectivity between members around the world. Academy Affinity Groups bring together members from shared backgrounds and affinities, with a focus on underrepresented and marginalised communities, offering guidance on membership, awards and programming.
