Academy names Steven Spielberg, Laura Dern to board of governors
Steven Spielberg and Laura Dern are set to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Board of Governors, the Academy announced Monday.
“I’m honored and privileged to welcome the Academy’s new Board,” said Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs in a statement. “I thank our members for actively participating and taking another step toward inclusion, one that will bring new ideas and perspectives as we continue to expand our global outreach while leading our community forward.”
Joining Spielberg, who will represent the directors branch alongside Michael Mann and Edward Zwick (both previously elected), and Dern, who will represent the actors branch alongside Annette Bening and Tom Hanks (both previously elected), are Sharen K. Davis of the costume designers branch, Roger Ross Williams of the documentary branch, Laura Karpman of the music branch and Kevin Collier of the sound branch.
The six new members include three women (Dern, Davis and Karpman) and two African Americans (Davis and Williams).
Academy's diverse new class includes Idris Elba, America Ferrera
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health, and assures the fulfillment of its mission.
That mission includes dramatically ramping up diversity within the Academy's ranks. Last month, the Academy announced its most diverse new class of membership invitees ever, including Idris Elba, John Boyega, Nate Parker, Marlon Wayans, America Ferrera and Alicia Vikander.
The new 683-person class, a record in size, was 46% female and 41% people of color.
As USA TODAY noted, changes in voting during the next awards season cycle may be most acutely felt in the directing branch.
Previously, just 35 women were among the 395 directors, but last month the Academy added 53 women, more than doubling female representation, according to figures confirmed by the Academy. Thirty-nine male directors were also added.