Cheryl Boone Isaacs Named President of Oscar Academy

Cheryl Boone Isaacs

Cheryl Boone Isaacs, film industry marketing veteran and one of a few Black Hollywood insiders, was named president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences July 30 in Los Angeles.

The election of the Lionsgate motion picture group co-chair, who is already an Academy member, by the 48-member board, marks the first time an African American will oversee the group that bestows coveted Oscars for cinematic works.
The action comes during a period in which the commercial film industry is under pressure to demonstrate ethnic diversity.

"I think it's wonderful. She's a person who has paid her dues for the academy. She knows all the ins and outs of the academy. She doesn't have to start at the beginning,” said former academy president Tom Sherak.”  (Afro, 8/31/2013)