Motion Picture Academy Elects Lynette Howell Taylor as President; Composer Lesley Barber Elected VP

Producer Lynette Howell Taylor has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization’s Board of Governors, it was announced Thursday (July 31).

This will be Howell Taylor’s first term as president, which coincides with her second term as a governor representing the Academy’s producers branch. She was previously vp and chair of the awards committee for three years.

Also elected to 2025-26 officer positions by the board were Lesley Barber (music branch), who has been named vp and chair of the membership committee; Jennifer Fox (producers branch), named vp and chair of the awards committee; Simon Kilmurry (documentary branch), named vp/treasurer and chair of the finance committee; Lou Diamond Phillips (actors branch), named vp and chair of the equity and inclusion committee; and Howard A. Rodman (writers branch), named vp/secretary and chair of the governance committee.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

Howell Taylor, an Academy member since 2014, has produced more than 25 films in the last two decades, including A Star Is Born, The Accountant, Big Eyes and The Place Beyond the Pines. She was nominated for an Emmy for producing the 2020 Oscars with Stephanie Allain.

Academy board members may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive, followed by a two-year hiatus. After that, their eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, up to a 12-year lifetime maximum. Officers serve one-year terms, up to a maximum of four consecutive years in any one office.