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    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
    Motion picture arts and sciences

    Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

    United States flagUnited States

    "We champion the power of imagination"

    Founded May 11, 1927 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90211 CEO: Bill Kramer
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    About

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, known simply as the Academy or AMPAS, is the professional honorary organization behind the Oscars. Based in Beverly Hills, California, it counts over 11,000 film professionals as members, representing every craft from acting to visual effects. The Academy's stated mission is to advance the arts and sciences of motion pictures, and its board of governors oversees corporate management and general policies, with each craft branch having a seat at the table.

    The Academy is best known for the annual Academy Awards, popularly called the Oscars, but its reach extends far beyond that single night. It also hosts the Governors Awards for lifetime achievement, the Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Student Academy Awards for emerging filmmakers. In 2021, the Academy opened the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, adding a physical space for film history and culture.

    Beyond ceremonies, the Academy operates the Margaret Herrick Library, the Academy Film Archive, and the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study. Its collection is the largest film-related archive in the world, with 52 million items preserved and exhibited through the Academy Foundation. The organization has become a global institution, with membership open to qualified filmmakers worldwide.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Academy Awards (Oscars)Governors AwardsScientific and Technical AwardsStudent Academy AwardsAcademy Museum of Motion PicturesMargaret Herrick LibraryAcademy Film ArchivePickford Center for Motion Picture StudySamuel Goldwyn Theater

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences?
    The Academy is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association owned by its membership of over 11,000 film professionals. It is governed by a 55-person Board of Governors elected from 19 craft branches, with no single individual or corporation holding ownership.
    Who is the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences?
    Bill Kramer has served as CEO since July 2022. He oversees a staff of more than 700 and reports to the Board of Governors. Lynette Howell Taylor was elected president of the Board of Governors in July 2025.
    How much is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences worth?
    As a non-profit organization, the Academy does not have a publicly disclosed valuation. Its primary revenue comes from Oscars broadcast rights, membership dues, and the Academy Museum. It has no investors or funding rounds listed.
    What is the difference between the Academy and BAFTA?
    The Academy (AMPAS) is the U.S.-based organization behind the Oscars, with 11,000+ members across all film crafts. BAFTA is the British equivalent, based in London, with a smaller, UK-focused membership. The Oscars are generally considered more prestigious and have a global voting body.
    Is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences still active?
    Yes, the Academy is very much active and growing. As of 2025, it has over 11,000 members, a staff of 700+, and continues to produce the annual Oscars ceremony. It opened the Academy Museum in 2021 and has expanded its global membership and marketing efforts.

    Keywords

    Academy AwardsOscarsAMPASfilm awardsmotion pictureHollywoodAcademy Museumfilm archiveMargaret Herrick Librarymovie industry

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    Company Info

    Founded
    May 11, 1927
    Founder
    Louis B. Mayer, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and 33 others
    CEO
    Bill Kramer
    Headquarters
    8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90211
    Industry
    Motion picture arts and sciences
    Employees
    700+
    President
    Lynette Howell Taylor
    Membership
    11,000+

    Official Website

    oscars.org

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