Film Academy Creates Academy Studios to Oversee Digital Output, Will Be Led by Jennifer Davidson

On the heels of striking a deal with YouTube to bring the Oscars to that streaming platform in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is further prioritizing its digital presence by creating Academy Studios, under the banner of which the organization will polish, professionalize and expand its digital initiatives — interviews, videos, livestreams and podcasts and more —“that embody the Academy’s mission, voice and cultural identity.”

Tasked with leading Academy Studios, which will include a production team, is Jennifer Davidson, the well-liked PR vet who has been working with the Academy since 2019. After initially serving as a communications consultant, she came in-house in 2020 as EVP of corporate communications, then was elevated in 2021 to chief communications officer, and then was upped again in 2024 to chief marketing and communications officer, tasked with overseeing marketing and audience development, digital/social efforts, and creative brand strategy for all arms of the Academy, including the Oscars, which hit a five-year ratings high last year.

With Academy Studios added on top of her previous responsibilities, Davidson’s new title is chief marketing, communications and content officer. She will continue to report to Academy CEO Bill Kramer.

“Jen has proven to be a dynamic, forward-thinking leader for the Academy,” Kramer said in a statement. “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. Our goal is to highlight to the broadest worldwide audience everything we do year-round.”

Added Davidson, “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. 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.”