The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Jennifer Davidson to the new role of chief marketing, communications and content officer.
In addition to his current responsibilities overseeing creative brand strategy across Academy divisions, including marketing, audience development, communications, digital and social media, the Academy Foundation, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and Oscar, Davidson will now lead the newly launched Academy Studio. An in-house production unit responsible for creating digital content, including member and industry interviews, videos, livestreams, and podcasts, designed to reflect and enhance the Academy’s voice, mission, and cultural relevance.
“Jen has proven to be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader for the Academy,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “We are thrilled to promote her to this important new role as we evolve the Academy to reach a larger, more global audience. Jen’s creative vision and the development of our new Academy Studios production team will allow us to celebrate filmmakers and filmmaking on a larger scale, discover new ways to showcase our talented members, and continue to promote the great works of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection.”
Davidson added that he is keen to expand the organization’s storytelling reach through new formats and platforms. “In this new role, I’m excited to adopt innovative strategies that allow us to celebrate both the best storytellers in our industry and the incredible work they produce across disciplines,” said Davidson. “Establishing Academy Studios will allow us to preserve the rich history of film for generations to come, while creating fresh and exciting ways to engage new audiences with film. We are excited about the opportunity to honor our past while enhancing our future.”
Davidson joined the company in 2019 as a communications consultant and was appointed to the company as executive vice president in March 2020, just before the coronavirus outbreak. She was promoted to chief communications officer in December 2021 and then to chief marketing and communications officer in May 2024. A source familiar with the Academy’s internal operations said Davidson is well-respected within the current board and maintains strong professional relationships with senior leadership, which will be an asset as the Academy continues to expand its public engagement and digital strategy.
The Oscars telecast remains the Academy’s most-watched event, with viewership increasing to 19.7 million in 2025, a five-year high, according to Nielsen’s final report. 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 Oscar Awards are expected to be the biggest in history, with Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama “Sinners” leading the way with a historic 16 nominations, including Best Picture, followed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s groundbreaking blockbuster “One Battle After Another” with 13 nominations. The final Academy voting will take place from February 26th to March 5th. The awards ceremony will be held on March 15th and will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast on ABC.
