Lynette Howell Taylor has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, succeeding Janet Yang, who held the position since 2021. The appointment was approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors.
Howell Taylor is the fifth woman to serve as president of the Academy, following in the footsteps of Fay Kanin (1979–1983), Cheryl Boone Isaacs (2013–2017), Janet Yang (2021–2025), and Bette Davis, who stepped down after just two months in 1941.
“Lynette has been a vital part of the Academy Board of Governors for many years, most recently revitalizing our awards work as chair of the board’s Awards Committee,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “I so look forward to working with her as our new Academy President, as well as with these incredibly dedicated and strategic board officers. This is an exceptional group of Academy members who will advance the Academy’s mission, support our membership around the world, ensure our long-term financial stability, and celebrate the achievements of the global filmmaking community,”
As a producer, Howell Taylor’s credits include A Star Is Born (2018), Half Nelson (2006), Big Eyes (2016), The Accountant (2016), and The Accountant 2 (2024). She is currently producing Derek Cianfrance’s upcoming film Roofman, having previously produced his Blue Valentine (2010) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2012).
Also elected to 2025-2026 officer positions by the Board:
- Lesley Barber (Music Branch), Vice President (chair, Membership Committee)
- Jennifer Fox (Producers Branch), Vice President (chair, Awards Committee)
- Simon Kilmurry (Documentary Branch), Vice President/Treasurer (chair, Finance Committee)
- Lou Diamond Phillips (Actors Branch), Vice President (chair, Equity and Inclusion Committee)
- Howard A. Rodman (Writers Branch), Vice President/Secretary (chair, Governance Committee)
Members of the Academy board can serve two terms of three years each, whether back-to-back or separated by a break. After completing these terms, they must take a two-year break before becoming eligible to serve up to two more three-year terms, with a total limit of 12 years over their lifetime. Officers hold one-year terms and may serve no more than four consecutive years in the same position.