OSCARS SHAKE-UP: TOP EXEC STEPS DOWN AS SHOW HEADS TO YOUTUBE
The Academy's chief Oscars officer is trading her top role for a consultant gig as the awards ceremony plots a major network move.
The Oscars are getting a makeover — and so is the team calling the shots! According to Variety, Teni Melidonian, who's been the Academy's chief Oscars officer and the main connection between the Oscars and Disney/ABC, is stepping down from her post. AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer broke the news to staffers in an email, but don't expect Melidonian to disappear completely — she'll stick around as a consultant for the next year.
Why the shake-up? The Oscars ceremony is making a historic leap to YouTube in 2029, and with that big move comes a new leadership structure. Jennifer Davidson is taking over the reins on the production side of things as the show prepares for its fresh start on the streaming platform.
Melidonian's departure marks a major transition for the Academy as it reimagines how the world's biggest movie awards show will look and feel on a brand-new stage. Stay tuned — this could be the most dramatic transformation the Oscars have seen in decades!
Sources · Variety