The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Jennifer Davidson to the newly expanded role of Chief Marketing, Communications and Content Officer.
In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing marketing, audience development, communications, digital and social media, and creative brand strategy across all Academy divisions — including the Academy Foundation, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Oscars — Davidson will now lead the newly launched Academy Studios. The in-house production unit that will be responsible for creating digital content, including member and industry interviews, videos, livestreams and podcasts that aim to reflect and elevate the Academy’s voice, mission and cultural relevance.
“Jen has proven to be a dynamic, forward-thinking leader for the Academy,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO. “As we evolve the Academy to reach a larger and more global audience, we are thrilled to elevate her to this vital new role. Jen’s creative vision, along with the development of our new Academy Studios production team, will allow us to celebrate filmmakers and filmmaking on a greater scale, discover new ways to showcase our talented members, and continue to promote the exceptional work of our Academy Museum and Academy Collection.”
Davidson adds that she is eager to expand the organization’s storytelling reach through new formats and platforms. “In this new role, I’m excited to adopt innovative strategies that can celebrate both our industry’s greatest storytellers and the remarkable work they’ve created across disciplines,” said Davidson. “The establishment of Academy Studios allows us to preserve film’s rich history for future generations, while creating fresh and exciting ways to engage new audiences around cinema. I am thrilled about the opportunity to honor our past while elevating our future.”
Davidson came in 2019 as a communications consultant before coming in-house just prior to COVID in March 2020 as the executive vice president. She was upped to chief communications officer in Dec. 2021 and later promoted to chief marketing and communications officer in May 2024. Sources familiar with internal Academy operations tell Variety Davidson is well regarded among the current Board of Governors and maintains strong professional relationships with senior leadership, an asset as the Academy continues to grow its public engagement and digital strategy.
The Oscars telecast, which remains the Academy’s highest-profile event, saw viewership rise in 2025 to a five-year high of 19.7 million, according to Nielsen’s final reporting. The broadcast also saw a 19% year-over-year increase in ratings among adults 18-49, jumping from 3.82 to 4.54.
This year’s 98th Oscars are expected to one of the biggest ever, where Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama “Sinners” leads the tally with a historic 16 nominations including best picture, followed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s revolutionary epic “One Battle After Another” with 13. The final Academy voting runs from Feb. 26 through Mar. 5. The ceremony will be held Mar. 15 and air on ABC, with Conan O’Brien hosting.
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From Variety US