Whoopi Goldberg and Ava DuVernay have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors. Goldberg is one of ten members to be re-elected to the organization’s board of governors. Meanwhile, DuVernay joins a freshman class of members that includes Lynette Howell Taylor, Debra Zane, Stephen Rivkin, Linda Flowers and Rob Bredow.
With these latest elections, AMPAS has reported a slight increase in gender and racial diversity. The last board featured 25 women and 11 members of color, but this board features 26 women and 12 members of color.
Thrilled to welcome our new Academy governors Debra Zane, @Ava, Stephen Rivkin, @lindaflowers07, @LynetteHowell and @rbredow! Congratulations to our new and returning leaders. https://t.co/fkaDW0LQVq
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 10, 2020
The AMPAS Board of Governors is broken into 17 branches which are represented by three governors each. Each governor serves a three-year term. For example, DuVernay will serve a three-year term in the directors branch and Goldberg will serve a three-year term in the thespian branch. During this term, they will help craft the organization’s strategic vision, maintain the organization’s financial health and fulfill the academy’s vision.
The AMPAS Board of Governors first meeting will take place Thursday. During the meeting, the board will look at making major changes to this year’s Oscars.
