Lynette Howell Taylor, an acclaimed film producer, has officially been named the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), as reported by Variety. The decision was made by the Academy's Board of Governors, marking a significant leadership change in the organization.
She succeeds Janet Yang, who served as the Academy’s president from 2021 until 2025. Taylor now becomes only the fifth woman to ever hold this position. The others before her include Yang, Fay Kanin (1979–1983), Cheryl Boone Isaacs (2013–2017), and Bette Davis—who briefly held the role in 1941 but stepped down after two months.
This new position marks Howell Taylor's first term as president, though it comes during her second term as a governor representing the Producers Branch. In addition to her new title, she has already served the Academy in other important roles.
She spent three years as vice president and also led the Awards Committee as its chair. According to Variety, other Academy leaders re-elected as officers include Lesley Barber and Howard A. Rodman. Meanwhile, Jennifer Fox, Simon Kilmurry, and Lou Diamond Phillips begin their first term in officer roles.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer welcomed Howell Taylor’s appointment and praised her contributions. He said, “Lynette has been a vital part of the Academy Board of Governors for many years, most recently revitalising our awards work as chair of the board's Awards Committee. I so look forward to working with her as our new Academy President, as well as with these incredibly dedicated and strategic board officers."
Kramer added that this leadership team would work to support global filmmakers, ensure financial stability, and uphold the Academy’s mission.
Lynette Howell Taylor has an impressive record in Hollywood. She has produced several popular films, including A Star is Born, The Accountant, The Accountant 2, and Blue Valentine. Her upcoming project Roofman, featuring Channing Tatum in the lead, is also highly anticipated.
According to the Academy's official bylaws, board members are allowed to serve up to two three-year terms, which can either be consecutive or separated by a break. After completing those terms, they must observe a mandatory two-year hiatus before becoming eligible again. Following this gap, they may serve two additional three-year terms, bringing the lifetime cap to a total of 12 years on the board. Officers, on the other hand, are elected to one-year terms. However, they can continue in the same officer role for a maximum of four consecutive years, ensuring leadership rotation while maintaining stability and experience in governance.
