Bill Kramer and Lint Howell-Taylor of the Academy to Attend Tokyo International Film Festival

AMPAS Set for a Major Presence at Asia's Largest Film Event, Which Will Also Include an Event for Academy Members

A trio of Hollywood heavyweights are set to take part in panel discussions at the fast-approaching 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), as well as Academy President Lynette Howell-Taylor and Meredith Shea, Senior Director of Membership, Impact and Industry, will be in Japan to host the events.

On October 28, Kramer, Taylor and Shea will participate in a panel discussion (details below), followed by the presentation of the leadership award to Kramer and a gathering of Academy members. And on October 29, Kramer will participate in a conversation with Hiro Matsuoka, chairman and CEO of Japanese manufacturing giant Toho.

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In addition to the above three, the Academy will also have several other senior directors present at the festival and member reception, including Amy Huma, Director and President, Academy Museum of the Motion Picture and Academy Collection. Jenny Galante, Chief Revenue and Business Development Officer; and Jennifer Davidson, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications and Content.

The events that the three academies are going to participate in are:

The panel, set for October 28, will "offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars as well as insights into the Academy's global initiatives. And membership programs. The discussion will also explore the Academy's perspective on the current and future state of international cinema. Speakers from AMPAS include Bill Kramer, Lynette Howell-Taylor and Meredith Shea, and will be moderated by TIFF Festival Director Takeo Hisamatsu."

A special award goes to Bill Kramer

After the panel discussion on October 28, Kramer, who is making his first visit to Asia, will receive a special World Cinema Leadership Award in "recognition of his significant contribution to the development of the global film industry and the advancement of film culture." Since being named CEO of the Academy in 2022, Kramer has been recognized for his efforts to further diversify and globalize the Academy's membership, overseeing the Academy's global operations and programs, including the Academy Awards, the Academy Foundation, and services to the Academy's 11,000 global members.

The final event on October 28 will be a private reception for Academy members from around the world. Members of the Academy's global film community gather at TIFF for an opportunity to network and exchange ideas.

On October 29, Kramer will participate in a wide-ranging conversation with Toho President and CEO Hiro Matsuoka. The two will discuss "the global cinematic landscape, the future of theatrical distribution and streaming, and next steps for international collaboration."