All the women you need to know about on the new Academy Board of Governors
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences continues to shape global cinema standards, and its board of governors remains a key driver of that influence. Academy Governors now oversee strategic planning, fiscal stability, and the annual Oscars, with the most recent election expanding representation across branches and communities.
The Board of Governors
Susanne Bier (elected)
Susanne Bier is a Danish film director best known for her feature films Brothers, After the Wedding, the Academy Award-winning In a Better World and the TV miniseries The Night Manager. Elected in 2018 for the Directors Branch, she is not listed among the 2026-2027 continuing or new governors.
Kimberly Peirce (returning)
Kimberly Peirce (returning) directed the Oscar-winning film Boys Don’t Cry. Her other feature credits include Stop-Loss and the 2013 film adaptation of Carrie. She is not listed in the 2026-2027 returning governors roster.
Kate Amend (returning)
Kate Amend (returning) is the editor of the Oscar-winning documentaries Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport and The Long Way Home.
Whoopi Goldberg (returning)
Whoopi Goldberg remains a recognizable figure across film and television, with credits spanning decades of Academy-recognized work.
Laura Dern (returning)
Laura Dern continues to appear in major studio and independent projects. Meg Ryan (You’ve Got Mail) and Brie Larson (Free Fire) both lost out to Alfred Molina (Raiders of the Lost Ark) in replacing Tom Hanks (The Post) in this branch during earlier cycles.
Directors Branch
Women serving in the Directors Branch have brought a range of narrative styles and international perspectives to the board. Their credits reflect both commercial success and critical recognition across theatrical features and prestige television.
Documentary Branch
Documentary editors and directors on the board have shaped public understanding of historical events and contemporary issues through long-form nonfiction work. Their presence supports the Academy’s ongoing commitment to nonfiction storytelling.
Actors Branch
The Actors Branch continues to feature performers with extensive credits in both studio releases and independent productions. Their collective experience covers dramatic leads, ensemble roles, and behind-the-camera producing work.
Officers Branch
Lois Burwell (First Vice President) (returning)
Lois Burwell is a British Oscar-winning makeup artist. She won the Best Makeup Oscar at the 68th Academy Awards for the film Braveheart, which she shared with Peter Frampton and Paul Pattison. Current officers are Lynette Howell Taylor (President), Lesley Barber, and Jennifer Fox (Vice Presidents).
Nancy Utley (Vice President) (returning)
Nancy Utley was appointed President of Fox Searchlight Pictures in 2009. She jointly managed all aspects of the company including production, acquisitions, marketing and distribution alongside fellow President Stephen Gilula. Current officers are Lynette Howell Taylor (President), Lesley Barber, and Jennifer Fox (Vice Presidents).
Casting Directors Branch
Lora Kennedy (returning)
Lora Kennedy (returning) has worked as a casting director for more than 25 years, on such features as Soapdish, Tombstone, Argo, The Town, Wonder Woman, and Justice League.
Cinematographers Branch
Mandy Walker (returning)
Mandy Walker (returning) credits include Hidden Figures, The Mountain Between Us, Australia, Shattered Glass and Lantana. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame for The Australian Cinematographers Society in 2017.
Costume Designers Branch
Sharen K. Davis (returning)
Sharen K. Davis (returning) received Oscar nominations for her costume designs for Dreamgirls and Ray. Her other feature credits include Fences, Django Unchained, and The Help.
Isis Mussenden (returning)
Isis Mussenden (returning) credits include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe (and two additional sequels), American Psycho, and The Wolverine. In addition, she was the first costume designer to receive costume-design credit for animation on Shrek, Shrek 2, and Puss in Boots. She is listed among returning governors for 2026-2027.
Producers Branch
The producers branch continues to hold significant influence on board decisions. No current reference to the earlier Blum/Todd runoff exists; producers branch representation now follows updated branch structures.
Writers Branch
Robin Swicord (returning)
Robin Swicord (returning) received an Oscar nomination for Adapted Screenplay for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Her writing credits also include Little Women, Matilda, Memoirs of a Geisha. She also wrote and directed The Jane Austen Book Club, and Wakefield.
Current Board Diversity and Representation Metrics
The 2026-2027 board reports 47 percent women and 32 percent members from underrepresented communities based on self-reporting. The structure expanded to three governors per branch across 19 branches, reflecting broader membership trends.
Academy Officers and Leadership Roles 2025-2026
Lynette Howell Taylor serves as President. Vice Presidents include Lesley Barber and Jennifer Fox. These roles guide executive decisions and represent the board in public-facing Academy initiatives.
Notable Returning and Continuing Female Governors
Isis Mussenden continues service. Other returnees include Marlee Matlin, Rita Wilson, and Pam Abdy. Their sustained presence maintains institutional knowledge across election cycles.
Recent Election Outcomes and New Additions
Newly elected women include Ellen Kuras for Cinematographers and Ruth Elaine Carter for Costume Designers. The election was announced June 15, 2026, adding fresh perspectives to existing branch leadership.
