By Pete Hammond
LOS ANGELES (Deadline) — The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences is tightening its internal overlook and control of the Oscars and all awards-related events in an expansion of its Oscars Strategy division which started in 2022.
Longtime AMPAS executive Teni Melidonian has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Oscars Officer. In the new job she will lead strategy, talent relations, special events and production teams for all awards programs and events. As part of the reorganization, 10-year AMPAS veteran MaryJane Partlow has been upped to Executive Vice President, Awards Production and Special Events,
Melidonian will collaborate closely with the Oscars producers and show host, Disney/ABC and Academy leadership, including the Board of Governors and its committees, and oversee the teams involved in developing and executing the Oscars for a global viewing audience.
As the lead liaison with Disney/ABC, the Academy’s broadcast distribution partner, Melidonian heads Oscars ad sales, marketing, advertising and synergy strategies supporting audience growth opportunities globally. In 2022, under Kramer’s leadership, Melidonian led the newly created Oscars Strategy division, successfully creating a unit working year-round on all awards-related programs. The team also oversees guest and nominee ticketing and seating for awards season events and spearheads member screenings. Partlow will lead the teams in producing all awards special events throughout the Oscars season, including the Governors Awards (which will be celebrating honorary Oscar winners tonight in its 14th year), nominations announcement, nominees luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer made the announcements this past week. Melidonian will continue to report directly to Kramer, while Partlow will report to Melidonian.
