A trio of Hollywood bigwigs are set to join in for a panel discussion at the fast-approaching 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) CEO Bill Kramer, along with Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and Chief Membership, Impact and Industry Officer Meredith Shea, will be in Japan for a series of events.
On October 28, Kramer, Taylor and Shea will participate in a panel discussion (details below), followed by the presentation of the Leadership Award to Kramer and a gathering for Academy members. And on October 29, Kramer will participate in a conversation with Hiro Matsuoka, chairman and CEO of Japanese manufacturing giant Toho.
As well as the trio named above, a number of additional senior officials will be present at the gala and member reception at the Academy, including Amy Homma, Director and Chair of AMPAS and Academy Collections; Jenny Galante, Chief Revenue and Business Development Officer; and Jennifer Davidson, chief marketing, communications and content officer.
Events the academy trio will be attending include:
Academy in Tokyo: Festival Panel
Scheduled for October 28, the panel will “provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars, as well as insight 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.” AMPAS speakers include Bill Kramer, Lynette Howell Taylor and Meredith Shea, while TIFF Festival Director Takeo Hisamatsu is moderating.
Special Award Presented to Bill Kramer
Following a panel discussion on October 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.” Cramer is being recognized for his work since becoming CEO of the Academy in 2022, including his efforts 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 House
The final event on October 28 will be a private reception for Academy members from around the world. 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 October 29, Kramer will participate in a wide-ranging talk 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.”