Updated: 10/04/2025 20:01:36
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a professional honorary organization that administers the Academy Awards (Oscars) and serves as a steward of film history, preservation, education, and industry standards. AMPAS operates public-facing cultural institutions and collections, manages membership and governance, recognizes creative and technical achievement across multiple awards programs, and runs fellowships and educational initiatives while emphasizing diversity, accessibility, sustainability, and public accountability.
Academy Awards (Oscars)
AMPAS administers the annual Academy Awards, managing eligibility rules, nomination and voting procedures, and the ceremony that recognizes excellence across filmmaking crafts and performances. [1]
Academy Collection
AMPAS curates physical and digital collections of costumes, posters, props, scripts, and other artifacts documenting film production and history, accessible through searchable collections portals and exhibitions. [2]
Academy Film Archive
AMPAS maintains the Academy Film Archive to preserve, restore, and program moving-image materials, supporting research, screenings, and long-term conservation of film heritage. [3]
Academy Library
The Academy Library offers a specialized research collection of books, periodicals, scripts, and reference materials on cinema, available to scholars and industry professionals for study and research. [4]
Academy Museum
The Academy operates and partners with the Academy Museum in Los Angeles to present exhibitions, screenings, and public programs that explore the art, history, and cultural impact of cinema. [5]
Accessibility, Diversity, Sustainability and Institutional Policies
AMPAS develops policies and programs to promote diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and environmental sustainability across its awards, public programs, collections, and internal operations. [6]
Education, Fellowships and Talent Development
AMPAS runs education and talent-development programs—including the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting and Academy Gold initiatives—to support emerging filmmakers and expand industry access and training. [7]
Membership and Governance
The Academy is governed by a Board of Governors and executive leadership; members are industry professionals who vote on awards and participate in governance. AMPAS manages membership invitations, criteria, and member services. [8]
Preservation, Access, and Historical Record
AMPAS prioritizes preservation of films and related materials, curates historical records (including In Memoriam compilations), and facilitates scholarly access to archived materials for study and public presentation. [9]
Public Communications, Press and Major Initiatives
The Academy issues press releases, posts news and program updates, and runs large public initiatives (e.g., Academy100) to communicate awards outcomes, institutional priorities, fundraising, and public programs. [10]
Public Records, Financials and Services
The Academy publishes governance information, financial reports, and public-facing services such as theater rentals, career listings, and legal/privacy policies to ensure transparency and operational access. [11]
Science & Technology (Sci‑Tech) Programs
The Academy’s Science and Technology Council evaluates and honors technical innovation through Sci‑Tech Awards and fosters research and collaboration that advance filmmaking technology and workflows. [12]
Student Academy Awards and Other Honors
The Student Academy Awards recognize emerging student filmmakers; AMPAS also presents Governors Awards, Scientific & Technical Awards, and periodically introduces or expands honors to recognize additional crafts and communities. [13]
References:
Additional Sources:
14. About the Academy — Overview and Mission [https://www.oscars.org/about]
15. Academy Awards (Oscars) [https://www.oscars.org/oscars]
16. Academy Collections Portal [https://collections.new.oscars.org/search/simple]
17. Academy Film Archive [https://www.oscars.org/film-archive]
18. Academy Financials and Affiliates Report (PDF) [https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/2024-12/academy_of_motion_picture_arts_and_sciences_and_its_affiliates_2024.pdf?VersionId=F58CZdmHyg_qAry27ooYwWUXoGzOtJsa]
19. Academy Library [https://www.oscars.org/library]
20. Academy Museum [https://www.academymuseum.org/en]
21. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Homepage) [https://www.oscars.org]
22. Academy Press and News [https://press.oscars.org/news]
23. How to Become a New Member [https://www.oscars.org/about/become-new-member]
24. In Memoriam and Historical Record [https://inmemoriam.oscars.org/]
25. Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting [https://www.oscars.org/nicholl]
26. Science & Technology (Sci‑Tech) Programs [https://www.oscars.org/sci-tech]
27. Student Academy Awards [https://www.oscars.org/saa]