Amy Homma Steps into the Spotlight at Academy Museum

Jacqueline Stewart, the esteemed film scholar and Turner Classic Movies host, is bidding adieu to her role as the head honcho of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. But fear not, dear cinephiles, for the torch is being passed to none other than Amy Homma, a seasoned veteran at the Academy Museum. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement with a twinkle in their eye on Wednesday, revealing that Homma would be taking the reins as the new director and president. Stewart, with her guiding hand, has been instrumental in steering the Academy Museum through its nascent phases, lending her expertise as the chief artistic and programming officer from 2020-2022 before assuming the mantle of leadership.

During her illustrious tenure, Stewart left an indelible mark on the museum, ensuring that new galleries were not just visually arresting but also bilingual, catering to a diverse audience. She orchestrated the unveiling of numerous exhibitions, including a poignant tribute to Black Cinema from 1989 to 1971, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation in the world of cinema. Homma, on the other hand, has been a stalwart presence at the Los Angeles-based museum for half a decade, most recently donning the cap of chief audience officer. Her promotion to the top spot heralds a new chapter for the Academy Museum, as it continues to evolve and captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of cinematic history.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences isn’t just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic—oh no. They’ve also unveiled a slew of promotions within their executive ranks, aimed at fostering greater cohesion and synergy across all facets of the organization. In a bid to bolster their coffers ahead of the 100th Oscars in 2028, the film academy launched a bold $500 million fundraising campaign in May, signaling their ambitious vision for the future. Academy CEO Bill Kramer, with a glint of determination in his eye, emphasized the importance of uniting teams to foster a shared sense of purpose within the organization.

In this grand reshuffling of the cinematic deck, Jennifer Davidson ascended to lead marketing and communications, overseeing all arms of the academy with aplomb. Meanwhile, Jenny Galante stepped into the role of chief revenue officer, spearheading the Academy100 fundraising campaign with vigor and zeal. The winds of change also swept through the hallowed halls of the academy’s archives, as longtime archivist Randy Haberkamp bid adieu after 23 years of dedicated service. Stepping into his shoes is Matt Severson, who will now oversee the monumental task of curating and preserving the 23 million items in the Academy Collection, ensuring that the legacy of cinema endures for generations to come.

As the credits roll on this chapter of the Academy’s history, one thing is abundantly clear—the future of cinema is in capable hands. With a new cadre of leaders at the helm and a bold vision for the years ahead, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is poised to script a cinematic saga that will captivate audiences around the globe. So grab your popcorn, dear readers, for the show is about to begin, and the magic of the silver screen awaits.