From left: Bill Kramer, Lynette Howell Taylor, Meredith Shea and Hiro Matsuoka. Courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Tokyo International Film Festival A trio of Hollywood heavyweights are set to feature in panel discussions at the fast-approaching 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) as well as the Academy’s President Lynette Howell Taylor and chief membership, impact and industry officer Meredith Shea will be in Japan for a host of events.
On Oct. 28, the Kramer, Taylor and Shea will participate in a panel discussion (details below), followed by the presentation of a leadership award to Kramer and a gathering for Academy members. And on Oct. 29, Kramer will take part in a conversation with Hiro Matsuoka, President and CEO of Japanese production giant Toho.
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As well as above named trio, The Academy will have several additional senior executives in attendance at the festival and member reception, including Amy Homma, director and president of AMPAS and Academy Collection; Jenny Galante, chief revenue and business development officer; and Jennifer Davidson, chief marketing, communications and content officer.
The events the Academy trio are set to be involved in include:
Academy in Tokyo: Festival Panel
Set for Oct. 28, this panel will “offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars as well as insights into the Academy’s global initiatives and membership programs. The discussion will also explore the Academy’s perspective on the current state and future of international cinema.” Speakers from AMPAS include Bill Kramer, Lynette Howell Taylor and Meredith Shea, with Takeo Hisamatsu, TIFF Festival Director, moderating.
Special Award to Be Presented to Bill Kramer
Following the panel discussion on Oct. 28, Kramer, making his first visit to Asia, will receive the Global Cinema Leadership Special Award in “recognition of his significant contributions to the development of the global film industry and the advancement of film culture.” Kramer is being recognized for his work since becoming Academy CEO in 2022, including his push to further diversify and globalize the Academy’s membership, and overseeing all of the Academy’s global operations and programs, including the Oscars, the Academy Foundation, and services for the organization’s 11,000 global members.
Academy in Tokyo: Member Gathering
The final event on Oct. 28 will be a private reception for Academy members from around the world, will take place. Members of the Academy’s global film community will come together at TIFF for an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
Academy in Tokyo: Special Talk Session
On Oct. 29, Kramer will participate in a wide-ranging dialogue with Toho President and CEO Hiro Matsuoka. The two will discuss the “global cinematic landscape, the future of theatrical and streaming distribution, and next steps for international collaboration.”
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