Groundbreaker Cheryl Boone Isaac: 1st African-American Academy president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Isaacs will be the first African-American in 86-year history of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Cheryl Boone Isaacs, a veteran film marketer, was named the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on August 1, 2013. The Academy, which produces the annual Oscar ceremony, has not had a female president since 1983, and has never had an African-American president in its 86-year history.

Ms. Isaacs succeeds Hawk Koch, who served for only one year but was precluded by an elaborate term-limits system from running again. A president may serve for four successive terms, but must come from the governing board, and may not run again if — as with Mr. Koch — the permitted period as a governor has expired.

As she steps into the presidency, Ms. Isaacs, who may serve for as many as four years, faces decisions that include those surrounding the renewal of contracts for the Academy's top staff executives. Those are Dawn Hudson, the chief executive officer, and Ric Robertson, the chief operating officer. She is also expected to oversee the opening of a Los Angeles movie museum, which promises to become the Academy's largest venture to date. The Academy, which includes about 6,000 film professionals, is best known for its annual Oscar ceremony. "Cheryl Boone Isaacs is a wonderful selection for an organization that is seeking to expand diversity and inclusion," stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. "As one racial barrier is broken, we are excited to see what Ms. Isaacs will do to break down even more barriers in the industry."

"The the election of Cheryl Boone Isaacs as an historic moment in Hollywood.

"This appointment sends a clear message to the rest of Hollywood. it is believed that her selection will encourage the studios and networks to empower more women and minorities throughout the entertainment industry."

"Cheryl Boone Isaacs' appointment is another step in the right direction for the Academy and diversity in Hollywood," stated Robin Harrison of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau.

Isaacs has led a distinguished career as a marketing and publicity consultant, previously working at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. At the Academy, she previously served as First Vice President, and has served in every other office within the organization. Her role will include selecting a host for the Oscars telecast.

In July of this year, the Academy sought to expand racial and ethnic diversity among its voting members by inviting 276 new members from various backgrounds. The Academy also hired former NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck as Managing Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives, to help foster inclusion and diversity

Boone Isaacs currently heads CBI Enterprises, where she has consulted on such films as “The Call,” “The Artist,” “The King’s Speech,” “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” “Spider-Man 2” and “Tupac: Resurrection.” She previously served as president of theatrical marketing for New Line Cinema, where she oversaw box office successes including “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and “Rush Hour.” Prior to joining New Line in 1997, Boone Isaacs was exec worldwide publicity veep for Paramount Pictures, where she orchestrated publicity campaigns for Oscar picture winners “Forrest Gump” and “Braveheart.”

 Rob Friedman, the co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and most recently treasurer of the board was perceived as the other top candidate for the post.  Voting totals are not released by the Academy.

"We congratulate her and look forward to the Academy's work and influence under her new leadership."