The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected 2026–2027 Academy Foundation Board members and officers, reinforcing its long-term commitment to preserving cinematic history, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening the future of the global film community. The leadership appointments arrive at a pivotal time as the Academy Foundation continues to broaden its cultural impact through the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, talent development initiatives, archival preservation, and educational programming that serves filmmakers and audiences around the world.
Kim Taylor-Coleman Returns as Academy Foundation Board President
Leading the newly elected board is acclaimed casting director Kim Taylor-Coleman, who has been re-elected as President of the Academy Foundation Board. Her continued leadership reflects the confidence placed in her vision and experience as the Foundation guides some of the Academy’s most influential educational and preservation initiatives.
Taylor-Coleman will work alongside an accomplished executive leadership team representing several disciplines across the motion picture industry, emphasizing the Academy’s collaborative approach to governance.
The newly elected officers include:
- Brooke Breton (Visual Effects Branch) – Vice President
- Paul Cameron (Cinematographers Branch) – Vice President
- David Dinerstein (Marketing and Public Relations Branch) – Treasurer
- Marlon West (Animation Branch) – Secretary
Together, these officers represent the creative and technical diversity that defines modern filmmaking while bringing decades of professional expertise to the Foundation’s mission.
A Board Representing Every Corner of Filmmaking
The Academy Foundation Board consists of 12 trustees, all of whom also serve on the Academy’s Board of Governors. This structure ensures that the Foundation’s educational and philanthropic objectives remain closely aligned with the Academy’s broader mission.
Additional board members elected for the 2026–2027 term include:
- Patricia Cardoso (Directors Branch)
- Peter Devlin (Sound Branch)
- Richard Hicks (Casting Directors Branch)
- Lynette Howell Taylor (Producers Branch)
- Larry Karaszewski (Writers Branch)
- Chris Tashima (Short Films Branch)
- Terilyn A. Shropshire (Film Editors Branch)
Collectively, the board reflects a broad spectrum of filmmaking disciplines—from directing and producing to editing, sound, writing, visual effects, and animation—providing balanced leadership for the Foundation’s expanding portfolio of cultural programs.
Supporting the Academy’s Educational and Cultural Mission
While the Academy is internationally recognized for presenting the Oscars®, much of its year-round impact is driven by the Academy Foundation.
The Foundation oversees an extensive network of educational, historical, and cultural initiatives, including:
- The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- The Margaret Herrick Library
- The Academy Film Archive
- The Academy Collection
- Talent development and filmmaker education programs
These programs preserve film history while helping inspire the next generation of storytellers through exhibitions, research resources, educational outreach, and professional development opportunities.
The Foundation also plays a significant role in making film history accessible to students, educators, scholars, and movie lovers worldwide.
Academy CEO Highlights the Foundation’s Growing Impact
Academy CEO Bill Kramer praised the newly elected board and emphasized the importance of its work in advancing the organization’s public mission.
He noted that the Academy Foundation continues to expand the Academy’s global reach by supporting educational initiatives, preservation efforts, museum programming, and cultural engagement throughout the international film community. Kramer also expressed gratitude to the board members for contributing their expertise and leadership in advancing these long-term initiatives.
His remarks underscore the Academy’s recognition that preserving cinematic heritage is just as important as celebrating contemporary achievements in filmmaking.
Strengthening the Academy Museum’s Leadership
Several members of the Foundation Board will also help guide one of Hollywood’s premier cultural institutions.
As representatives of the Academy Foundation Board, David Dinerstein, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Kim Taylor-Coleman will each serve one-year terms on the Academy Museum Board of Trustees.
Their dual leadership roles help strengthen collaboration between the Foundation and the Academy Museum, ensuring strategic alignment across exhibitions, public programming, educational initiatives, and preservation efforts.
Preserving Cinema While Inspiring Future Storytellers
The Academy Foundation’s work extends well beyond Hollywood’s awards season.
Its mission centers on preserving the artistic and historical legacy of motion pictures while creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Through educational resources, museum experiences, archival preservation, and talent development programs, the Foundation continues investing in the future of the global film industry.
With more than 11,000 Academy members worldwide, the Academy remains one of the world’s most influential organizations dedicated to advancing the art and science of filmmaking.
As technology transforms storytelling and audiences become increasingly global, the Foundation’s educational and preservation efforts are becoming more essential than ever.
Five Key Takeaways
- Kim Taylor-Coleman has been re-elected President of the Academy Foundation Board for the 2026–2027 term.
- The newly elected leadership includes officers representing visual effects, cinematography, animation, marketing, and public relations.
- The Foundation oversees the Academy Museum, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy Film Archive, Academy Collection, and filmmaker development programs.
- Three Foundation Board members will also serve on the Academy Museum Board of Trustees during the coming year.
- The Academy Foundation continues expanding its global educational, preservation, and cultural initiatives while supporting future generations of filmmakers.
Why This Matters
The Academy Foundation remains one of the entertainment industry’s most important institutions dedicated to protecting cinema’s legacy while cultivating its future. By appointing experienced leaders from across the filmmaking community, the Foundation reinforces its commitment to preserving film history, expanding educational access, and inspiring emerging storytellers worldwide. For industry professionals, students, and movie enthusiasts alike, these leadership appointments signal continued investment in the cultural institutions that help shape the future of motion pictures.
Written by Lela Christine
