Academy CEO Heads to Tokyo for Honors

Academy CEO Bill Kramer is scheduled to visit Asia later this month, marking his first trip to the continent. He will attend the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) where he will receive the Global Cinema Leadership Special Award.

The festival, running from October 26 to November 4, is dedicating a program titled 'Academy in Tokyo' to Kramer's visit. He will be joined by Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and chief membership officer Meredith Shea for a panel discussion on October 28. The trio will offer insights into the Oscars and the Academy's global endeavors.

Following the panel, Kramer will accept the TIFF award in recognition of his contributions to the global film business and culture. The Academy will also host a reception for its international members. On October 29, Kramer will engage in a public conversation with Toho president and CEO Matsuoka Hiro, discussing the global film landscape and distribution strategies.

Kramer, who has led the Academy since 2022, previously served as the director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. His tenure has focused on expanding the Academy's international membership and global operations, including the Oscars and the Academy100 campaign. Howell Taylor, an Oscar-nominated producer, and Shea, the first in her role focusing on membership and talent development, will also participate in the Tokyo events.