Teni Melidonian Exits As Chief Oscars Officer From AMPAS

Teni Melidonian has stepped down from her role as Chief Oscars Officer at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) after more than two years. Her departure was announced on Monday by AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer in a staff email, which also detailed a broader restructuring within the organization. This change comes just days after the Academy extended invitations to 529 new members from the film industry to become Oscar voters.

Melidonian joined AMPAS in October 2021, tasked with overseeing the Academy's global brand, public relations, and marketing efforts related to the Oscars. Her tenure included managing the Academy's outreach and communications strategies for the 94th, 95th, and upcoming 96th Academy Awards ceremonies. Prior to her role at AMPAS, Melidonian held significant positions in public relations and communications within the entertainment industry, including a stint as Senior Vice President of Communications at HBO.

The restructuring announced by CEO Bill Kramer aims to streamline operations and adapt to the evolving media landscape. While the specifics of the restructuring were not fully detailed in Kramer's email, it signals a strategic shift for the Academy as it prepares for future awards seasons and continues its mission to celebrate and preserve film. The Academy has not yet announced a replacement for Melidonian or provided further details on the new organizational structure.